LEIGH Centurions are going continental in a history-making link-up with top French club Villeneuve.

Leigh will become the first British club to strike a formal twinning link with a club from across the Channel when the French champions come back to England for their Challenge Cup quarter-final tie at Warrington next weekend.

The deal will see the Centurions form a close working relationship with the defending French champions and current league leaders. They will undertake player exchanges, exchange fixtures, coaching and development camps, youth and community work and marketing.

And links with other clubs across the globe are also being considered as head coach Paul Terzis is keen to forge relationships that can help the Leigh prosper and develop.

"This will have a big impact on the game, both in Leigh and in this country. Again this club is a pioneer, a leader and not a follower, " he says.

It's taken several months of negotiation and planning to lock everything into place and the formal signing ceremony will come next week when Villeneuve are in Warrington for their cup tie.

"Villenueve are as keen as us on this project. Like us they see great opportunities and realise that for clubs to grow and prosper they must forge links with clubs across the world so we can pool ideas and resources."

The Villeneuve Leopards and their famous emerald green jerseys, are considered the most progressive club in France and under the leadership of Aussie player/coach Grant Doorey are anxious to improve themselves on and off the field.

"Grant, his assistant and the club president, have worked tirelessly at their end to pull this thing together. It should be a great relationship," adds Terzis.

One of the first steps in the link-up will see Leigh's Academy squad making a short pre-season tour to the Villeneuve region of southern France at the end of this month.