Clubs like Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors Warrington Wolves and others have completed major signings.
Catalans Dragons have been very busy but have to face a number of exits on field but there have been an exit off field.
Catalans Dragons have now confirmed Sam Moa will leave the club at the end of the 2023 season.
The former New Zealand and Tonga international spent four seasons at the Dragons and made 90 appearances under the Catalans jersey, winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2018.
He then came back at the club in 2022 after being appointed assistant coach.
A highly appreciated and respected member of the club, he is forced to return to Australia for personal reasons.
Sam Moa 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, SĂ©guier, 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.”
Steve McNamara added: “In my opinion, Sam has had as big an impact on the development of the dragons as any other player or coach since it’s conception. He was an outstanding player, is a super coach and even better human being. Due to personal reasons he and is young family are having to head back to Sydney and I know our loss will be someone else’s significant gain. We thank him greatly and wish him all the best for his future coaching career.”