Shock as Andy Last joins Super League club after Castleford Tigers exit

Catalans Dragons have appointed former Castleford Tigers and Hull FC boss Andy Last as assistant to Steve McNamara ahead of the 2024 season.

The current England assistant coach will join the staff to replace Sam Moa who will leave the club at the end of the season.

He made his debut as head coach for Hull FC in 2020 before joining the England team staff ahead of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Appointed assistant coach at Wakefield in 2021, he moved to Lee Radford’s staff the season after at Castleford.

Following the leaving of the head coach, he took the Tigers in charge for 5 months.

Andy Last said: “I’m extremely proud and honoured to be joining the Catalan Dragons and I am really excited to be part of Steve’s coaching team. The opportunity to work at a huge club with the quality of player the club has for the 2024 season was something I just wanted to be part of. I’m going to embrace the French culture and hope to help the club continue its consistent results and performances it’s had in recent seasons.”

Steve McNamara added: “Andy will be an outstanding addition to our staff. His experience in many roles, attention to detail and professionalism will be a huge asset for us. As the current England assistant coach I am sure he will not only enhance what we already do but will also challenge our thinking in all areas of our preparation and performance.”

This comes after confirmation of Sam Moa’s departure.

He said: “I am sad to be departing the club and this region after 7 years here this has been a huge part of my life. My children were born here and we are grateful to have lived and experience the French culture and way of life here. My family and I will return to Australia where I will try to continue coaching.

“In terms of rugby, I think the evolution and improvements of the team & club since I arrived in 2016 has been amazing. I think the biggest and most satisfying aspect for me is the development and progression of the French players and seeing their evolution as players and men over the years. The dragons now have a very strong core group of good senior French players like Bousquet, Navarrete, Mourgue, Romano, Séguier, Da Costa, Yaha – along with their captain Ben Garcia who in my opinion is one of the best players in the competition. In my time at this club, I think the two most important and influential signings in terms of their quality and winning mentality is Micky McIlorum and Sam Tomkins.

“I would personally like to thank Bernard Guasch and especially Steve for his belief in me as a defence coach. I have enjoyed thoroughly working alongside Steve & the legend Thomas bosc. Defence is my passion and i believe the team has an incredible spirit and it’s a reflection of the region and people of Catalan in which we represent. The job is not complete – we have a Semi final to win at home. We do this and we go to the final to create history for this club. Our time is now. Once this is complete, I can return to my home.”