Benjamin Garcia will hang up the boots at the end of the year with the Catalans Dragons captain confirmed to be taking on an off-field role at the Super League club for 2027.
Garcia, 33, was off-contract but many will have expected a new one-year deal to be handed down to the loose forward, however, the club have confirmed that he will retire instead.
The forward first joined Catalans in 2013 and aside from a half-year stint in the NRL with Penrith Panthers in 2016, he’s spent his entire Super League career with the Dragons.
During those 13 years, he’s written himself into the club’s history with Garcia third on the club’s list for all-time appearance makers with 282, only behind Remi Casty and Julian Bousquet.
The club statement confirming his retirement also announced that he will join the team’s staff in 2027 although it’s still unconfirmed who will be the head coach.
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Benjamin Garcia to retire and become Catalans Dragons’ Sporting Director
Garcia’s role will be as the club’s Sporting Director from 2027 with the Frenchman putting to use his Sports Management and Sports Organization qualifications.
Paying tribute to their captain, Catalans’ statement read: “The Dragons’ captain, who arrived at the club in 2013, will hang up his boots after 14 seasons at the highest level.
“An exemplary captain for the past six seasons and a player respected throughout the game, Garcia has made 282 appearances and scored 42 tries.”
On his decision, Garcia said: “I’ve been thinking about this decision for several years, it has been a difficult one to make, but I wanted to choose the right moment to finish my playing career.
“I’ve spent fourteen years at the Dragons. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience all these moments with my club — the club I supported as a child.
“I’ve had the privilege of enjoying an exceptional career, wearing this jersey for so many years and sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates, our supporters and everyone involved in that club.”
On his new role, he said: “Today, I’m excited to take on a new challenge as a Sporting Director. It’s a role that has always appealed to me, and one I’ve prepared for by completing the necessary qualifications. I see this opportunity as the natural next step in my career, and I’m looking forward to continuing to help this club grow.”
Benjamin Garcia has officially announced his retirement at the end of the season.
The Dragons’ captain, who joined the club in 2013, will hang up his boots after 14 seasons at the highest level.
He will join the coaching staff as … pic.twitter.com/htJPeZlgSX— Catalan Dragons (@DragonsOfficiel) July 8, 2026
