Steve McNamara leaves Catalans Dragons with exit reported

The first Super League coaching casualty of 2025 has happened with Catalans Dragons reportedly axing Steve McNamara.

Reports emerged on Tuesday morning that McNamara, the longest-serving coach in Super League, has left Catalans with immediate effect.

All Out Rugby League broke the news as they revealed that McNamara had been relieved of his duties as head coach of the French side.

The Englishman joined Les Dracs midway through the 2017 season and managed to save them from relegation with a win in the Million Pound Game but he’s been under pressure of late.

After his first year at the club, he then led the club to their first ever Challenge Cup victory at Wembley in 2018 with Catalans going on to establish themselves among Super League’s elite during McNamara’s tenure.

They would reach the Super League Grand Final in 2021 and 2023, falling short on both occasions but they missed the play-offs in 2024 which shocked many.

A slow start to 2025 in spite of strong recruitment has ultimately led to McNamara’s exit with the 40-0 defeat against St Helens, another team who have struggled of late, marking the final game of McNamara’s near-eight year reign in Perpignan.

Steve McNamara ‘leaves’ Catalans Dragons

McNamara was quizzed on his future after that loss and asked if he had the backing of club owner Bernard Guasch, who has previously spoken out against the head coach.

After a loss to London Broncos in 2024, Guasch claimed that he had “never been so ashamed in 25 years of presidency”, whilst post-season he stated that a new performance manager would arrive for 2025 to “change habits”, adding “McNamara must agree to change habits”.

Following the loss to St Helens, McNamara responded “Ask Bernard” when met with the question of whether the owner supported him, adding: “I don’t know where you’re going with the question. I don’t know, like I just answered the question, Bernard has shown great support and he’s been awesome for us.”

A club statement is expected soon.