Benjamin Garcia


Benjamin Garcia is a French professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward and and for the Catalans Dragons in the Super League. He is a French international.
He spent time with the Penrith Panthers as part of their squad during the 2016 NRL season.

Background

He was born in Apt, Vaucluse, France.

Playing career

A SO Avignon junior and French junior international representative, Garcia moved to Australia to play for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the FOGS Colts Challenge in 2012. After winning the Seagulls' FOGS Colts player of the year award, Garcia moved into the Brisbane Broncos' National Youth Competition squad in 2013. In June 2013, he moved to the Catalans Dragons mid-season on a two-year contract, making his Super League debut against the Leeds Rhinos on 31 August 2013.
On 10 June 2015, Garcia signed a 2-year contract with the Penrith Panthers of the National Rugby League, starting in 2016. Garcia was named in the Panthers' squad for the 2016 Auckland Nines, scoring a try in their match against the North Queensland Cowboys. He rejoined the Dragons in June 2016.
He played in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final victory over the Warrington Wolves at Wembley Stadium.

International career

On 24 October 2012, Garcia was called into France's train-on squad for the 2012 Autumn International Series. Following injuries to Clément Soubeyras and Mathias Pala, Garcia was called into France's squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. He made his international debut on 27 October 2013 and played in three of France's Group B matches.
Garcia played for France in all three of their matches at the 2014 European Cup. He was unavailable for selection for the 2015 European Cup. Garcia played in France's lone international fixture of 2016, an end of year test match against England.