Catalans sack three players for disciplinary issue

Catalans Dragons have expelled the three players with immediate effect

Catalans Dragons have sacked three players with immediate effect for an incident deemed to be "highly unacceptable".

The players involved - Tonga forward Siua Taukeiaho, New Zealand stand-off Jayden Nikorima and France prop Damel Diakhate - have all had their contracts terminated.

The decision has been taken following a disciplinary process.

"All players were involved in an incident deemed to be highly unacceptable by the club and contrary to the club’s values," the club said.

The club told the BBC that they will be issuing no further statement at this time.

Catalans are currently sixth in the Super League and face Salford Red Devils in Perpignan on Saturday (17:30 BST).

Taukeiaho, 32, was a two-time Premiership winner in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, before he moved to the south of France for last season where he played in Catalans' defeat by Wigan Warriors in the Grand Final.

This was a first season in Perpignan for 27-year-old Nikorima, who was previously with Melbourne Storm, while Diakhate, 23, only joined the club in March, having been released by Hull FC.

Nikorima was last involved in the match with Huddersfield Giants on 22 June, but Taukeiaho has not featured all season and Diakhate did not play once for the first team.