Super League club set to lose key personnel to rugby union

At Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers we have seen new men appointed with former Leeds Rhinos star Danny Ward replacing former Hull FC assistant Andy Last at the Jungle and Daryl Powell being replaced by Sam Burgess for 2024 at Warrington.

These days coaches aren’t alone though in the work that they do with many clubs having a Director of Rugby or Sporting Director to oversee recruitment and signings.

The best example of this right now might be Chris Chester at Leigh Leoaprds.

The former Wakefield and Hull KR boss has overseen some outstanding signings at the club over the last couple of years that have turned them into Challenge Cup Finalists as they prepare to take on his former club Hull KR at Wembley.

These figures are vitally important to rugby league teams but one club is set to lose theirs.

It has been reported by L’Independent and Treize Mondial that Catalans Dragons’ Director of Rugby Neil McIlroy to rugby union at the end of the year.

McIlroy has been at the club since 2022.

The club recently confirmed another exit in the shape of star signing Siua Taukeiaho.

Siua Taukeiaho said of the decision to leave for personal reasons: “It’s been a disappointing season with the number of injuries I have had. I love this place, I wish I could have stayed longer but I need to put my family first. I remain 100% focused on my objectives with the club until the end of the season. I will do everything to get my body right to help the team to win the competition. I haven’t signed anywhere else. If that happens, both clubs will then negotiate.”

Owner Bernard Guasch added: “We’ve had a discussion with Siua and we understand his decision to return to Australia. He is very frustrated with his season and would have liked to contribute more to the club’s performances. We know he is going to do everything he can to be competitive for the last games of the season and to help the team to achieve its objectives.”

The Dragons are also set to lose Tyrone May and Mitchell Pearce in 2024.