The Catalans Dragons today confirmed that their head coach, Joel Tomkins, has left his position due to personal reasons. This news had first emerged before last week’s Challenge Cup Quarter Finals, following Tomkins’ absence for their previous two games, and has now been officially confirmed by the club and the coach.

Tomkins, who counts Wigan, Hull KR, and Catalans as former clubs from his playing days, took over the position in June 2025, following the dismissal of long-time Les Dracs coach Steve McNamara. After guiding the team to an uptick in form towards the tail-end of the season, he was rewarded with the job permanently. Before this season, he added Micky McIlorum and Mitchell Pearce to his backroom staff, who will now assist Ryan Sheridan in leading the club until a long-term replacement is named.

On leaving the club, Tomkins had this to say to the Catalans website: “My time at Catalans Dragons over the past 18 months has brought plenty of highs, along with some challenges, all of which I’ve genuinely valued as a rookie head coach. I’ve learned a great deal, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the friendships and experiences I’ve gained along the way. I leave the club a better coach than when I arrived.”

“However, living away from my family for a prolonged period has been difficult. After recently spending some time back at home due to personal reasons, I’ve taken the decision to step away and bring my time at the club to a close.”

“I would like to thank Bernard and Sebastien for their understanding and support in reaching this decision. I’m very grateful to the players, staff and supporters, and I wish the club every success for the remainder of the season and in future.”

Catalans are now the fourth Super League team looking for a new head coach, joining Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR, and Hull FC, with the latter two looking for a new coach for next season¹, and the Giants and Dragons looking for a new coach for the immediate future. We will cover any news as it develops

Written by Nathan Major (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Source: https://catalansdragons.com/en/actualites/communique-du-club-joel-tomkins/

1. At least at the time of writing, in Hull FC’s case. ↩︎