Catalans Dragons have issued a statement following the departure of scrum-half Josh Drinkwater.
Warrington have signed Drinkwater to partner up with George Williams in the halves for the upcoming 2023 season.
This comes as the Dragons and Drinkwater agreed to mutually end his contract one-year earlier than it had been intended to run.
The 31-year-old scrum-half will be a big loss for the French side who hold ambitions of making the playoffs once again, with Drinkwater being key for them in previous seasons.
Drinkwater played for the Dragons for three seasons, split across four years with a one season spell at Hull Kingston Rovers in 2019, and he was central to Catalans winning silverware.
In 2018 he helped his former club win the Challenge Cup, defeating his new side Warrington in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Whilst in 2021 his efforts and superb season, in which he was top of the assists chart in the league, saw the Dragons lift the League Leaders Shield before a devastating Grand Final loss to St Helens at Old Trafford.
In a statement posted on their site, the Dragons assert that the decision was mutual and there are no ill feelings involved.
“Catalans Dragons can confirm that Josh Drinkwater has been released from his contract, for the forthcoming 2023 season, by mutual consent.”
The side then go on to thank Drinkwater for his efforts at the club and offer well wishes for his Warrington journey.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank him for his commitment and contribution during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.”