Barrow Raiders bring Ellis Gillam back on loan for rest of season
Barrow Raiders have completed the signing of former forward Ellis Gillam on loan from Toulouse Olympique.
The 28-year-old will remain at the Raiders for the rest of the 2026 season, although Toulouse has an option to recall him.
Gillam previously spent three years at Barrow and became a popular figure with supporters before moving to France at the end of 2024.
Gillam returns after Toulouse move
The forward first joined Barrow ahead of the club’s return to the Betfred Championship in 2022.
He scored nine tries in 71 appearances and became an important part of Paul Crarey’s pack. He was also involved in the club’s community work during his first spell.
Gillam left Barrow after the 2024 season to take up a full-time opportunity with Toulouse Olympique.
He made 16 appearances for the French club last season. Following Toulouse’s promotion to the Betfred Super League, he has made five further appearances from the bench during 2026.
Forward excited to return to Barrow
Gillam said he was looking forward to rejoining the squad after watching the Raiders produce strong performances this season.
He added that it would be good to see familiar faces and hoped he could help the club finish the year successfully.
Crarey welcomes back ‘fan favourite’
Barrow head coach Paul Crarey described Gillam as a fan favourite and a local player who had performed strongly during his previous spell.
Crarey said Gillam’s form at Barrow had earned him the full-time move to Toulouse.
He added that the forward had not been receiving the regular playing time he wanted in France and had chosen to return to his hometown club despite interest from other Championship sides.
Before joining Barrow, Gillam came through the Warrington Wolves Academy and gained senior experience with Rochdale Hornets and Whitehaven.
