Exclusive: Josh Drinkwater honesty on outspoken Catalans Dragons owner Bernard Guasch

Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch is one of the most vociferous supporters of his own club.

He’s been through the mire in Perpignan and then dragged them back out again to win the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield in recent seasons.

Of course, Guasch hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in the wake of the showpiece Grand Final event at Old Trafford, whereby the French owner stated he would ‘never play another final under English referees.’

Catalans ended up losing that game in nailbiting fashion by 12-10.

He said: “As long as I’m president of the Catalans Dragons, I’ll never play a Super League final again until we have three Australian referees.

“I’m furious, at some point I say stop? I wanted to react like an English gentleman because I have a lot of respect for this competition.

“I am proud to have lived these three extraordinary days at Old Trafford as the English know how to organise them.

“But I saw the match again and I tell myself that I cannot let this go by without reacting and making a decision.”

This passion, however, is something which halfback Josh Drinkwater loves about the French owner and he spoke openly to Serious About Rugby League about working under Guasch.

“Bernard is passionate but the only wants success for the club and team,” Drinkwater said.

“He doesn’t get involved at all with the day-to-day stuff at training as he leaves everything to the coaching and staff.

“He turned up to games and will come into the sheds before the game and walk around and shake everyone’s hand and the same after the match.

“As a player, I couldn’t have any more respect for him for what he’s done for our team and how he’s treated us over the last two seasons.”