Le gitan blanc, chat maigre and fourgasse are coming to Cougar Park tomorrow to do battle in the Kellogs Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup third round.

But it is not a pungent cheese sale, these are the nicknames of the stars from the continent visiting West Yorkshire this weekend.

Cougar opponents St Gaudens went down 30-18 at Villefranche last week and currently lie seventh in the French Elite 1 table, but who are they?

For a start, their boss is Gilles Dumas, who you may or may not realise, is also the French side's national coach.

The team is littered with internationals, albeit French ones, the key players being Arnaud Dulac (le capitaine) who is a formidable centre with 27 caps and 31-year-old international Stephane Millet, who has played ten times for his country.

Racing Club Saint Gaudinois, to give them their full title, are former National cup and champions of France, and name a number of Australians in their side, though none have been capped at senior level.

They have won just six of their 13 league games this year but have reached the cup semi-finals after trouncing Chatillon 60-10.

Keighley's homework on their Gallic visitors has consisted of translated websites, a chat with former Cougars in France and watching a video of the side.

"We have done our preparations," said Cougar coach Gary Moorby. "There has traditionally been a bit of niggle in French rugby and we are ready for a physical battle.

"There will be no complacency, we are taking them seriously.

"The Australian influence has tightened up the French game and has probably removed the defensive frailties.

"We are looking to improve on last week's performance. Things were much better against Featherstone and we have had a positive response from fans.

"We want to really give them something to cheer about and we will take any kind of win."

There is a doubt over prop forward Phil Stephenson. Last week's surprise try-scorer got a bit of metal lodged in his hand at work but Moorby is hopeful the anti-biotics will reduce the swelling enough that the influential player can start.

Paul Ashton's calf injury has responded well to treatment and he will be playing.

And Cougars have received a much-needed fillip, as on-loan debut hero Danny Halliwell is set to play.

Halifax have allowed their player to become cup-tied.