The sporting director of one Super League club will depart with immediate effect to take up a role in rugby union.
Catalans Dragons’ Neil McIlroy will leave the club after initially joining back in October 2022, having spent most of the last three years with the Perpignan-based club.
It’s an era of change at Catalans with Joel Tomkins taking over as head coach midway through the season following the sacking of the longest-serving coach in Super League, Steve McNamara.
As well as that coaching change, a change in philosophy regarding recruitment has also been aired with Les Dracs outlining a specific directive to sign younger players who they believe are approaching their peak.
Previously, Catalans has been viewed as somewhat of a ‘retirement home’ for NRL veterans but they’re now targetting younger players, from both Super League and overseas.
Already, Salford’s Harvey Wilson has signed for 2026 along with numerous NRL players including Canterbury’s Toby Sexton and Wests Tigers’ Charlie Staines.
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Super League side confirm departure of sporting director
As sporting director, McIlroy will have helped oversee aspects of that recruitment but he’s now switching codes to rugby union to take up a role with Newcastle Red Bulls.
Newcastle were taken over by Red Bull and they’ve already dipped into the Super League market with Wigan Warriors winger Christian Wade making the switch back to rugby union as he chases down fellow former cross-coder Chris Ashton for the all-time try-scoring record in the Gallagher Premiership.
A statement from Catalans confirmed McIlory’s exit, announcing: “The club confirms the leaving of Sporting Director Neil McIlroy.
“Having joined the club in October 2022, the former ASM Clermont manager spent a few months with Montpellier Hérault Rugby before returning to the club in January 2024.
“He has now signed with the English Rugby Union side, Newcastle Red Bulls.”
Speaking on his exit, McIlroy said: “I am very grateful to Bernard for allowing me to return after my spell in Montpellier. I have always given everything to help the club through a difficult period and to prepare for the future.
“The challenge that awaits me with the Red Bulls is both immense and highly motivating – not to mention that I will be experiencing a climate I haven’t known for 30 years!
“I leave wishing the club all the best for its 20th anniversary and extend my sincere thanks to the players, the staff, the management, everyone involved in the club, and of course Bernard.”
