Catalans Dragons' French international Sebastien Raguin has been consigned to the sidelines for at least six months with a knee injury.

The 28-year-old damaged ligaments during a pre-season friendly against a President's XIII in Perpignan.

The second-row, who has also played at centre, underwent reconstructive surgery at the weekend.

Raguin's enforced absence will begin with his side's Super League opener at home to Huddersfield on Saturday.

He will be a big loss for the Dragons having played in every game of last year's Super League campaign that ended in a play-off loss to Wigan.

Raguin also represented his country in last summer's World Cup and scored a try in their only win in the tournament, a 36-18 victory over Scotland.

"We will really miss his versatility as he can cover back row, centre and wing," said Catalans' new coach Kevin Walters.

"He will be out for between six and eight months and that is a big blow but we are hopeful we will have him back at some stage."

His injury lay-off means Walters is likely to bring together Australian pairing Steven Bell and Adam Mogg in midfield.

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