Catalans Dragons have today confirmed that Joel Tomkins will take over as head coach on a permanent basis, after he was given the job on an interim basis when the club decided to part company with Steve McNamara.
Tomkins spent the majority of his playing career at Wigan Warriors, making his debut in 2005 and leaving the club in 2018.
He then spent two years at Hull KR, before moving over to the south of France in 2020.
He would represent the Dragons as a player until the end of 2021, when he would retire, before being confirmed as an assistant coach ahead of the current season.
He has now worked his way up the ranks and has been appointed his first head coach gig after first being appointed as interim head coach.
Tomkins’ current run as interim boss has not gone the way he would have hoped, with just one win in eight matches. It is a bold move from the French club to give the role to someone as inexperienced as the 38-year-old, but given the lack of available coaches on the market, it seems the most sensible option.
Tomkins signs two-year-deal with Catalans Dragons
Confirming that his deal was until the end of the 2027 season, Tomkins spoke to French and English media with club owner Bernard Guasch present as well.
Speaking on his appointment, he said: “It’s an honour to be offered the job of head coach at the Catalans Dragons, a club with passion, pride, and incredible potential.”
He added: “Over the next two seasons, my focus is simple: build a team that competes with every team in super league, earns respect, and makes our supporters proud every time they step onto the field. I understand that there is a lot of hard work ahead, but the opportunity to coach this team is one I’m excited about.”
Bernard Guasch added: “We are very happy to keep Joel Tomkins as head coach. He knows this sport inside out. Just like when he was a player, he never hides and always takes responsibility. Today, we want to change our management approach, start a younger cycle, and I know Joel fits perfectly into that vision. I have full confidence in him to build a team that can aim for the top as early as next season.”
