It has been confirmed that former England boss and current Super League head coach Steve McNamara will remain with Catalans Dragons until the end of the 2026 season.
McNamara took over in Perpignan back in 2017 and since then has turned the fortunes of the club around guiding them to their first-ever Challenge Cup victory.
He has also taken the club to two Super League Grand Finals, the Dragons unfortunately coming out don’t the wrong side of the result on both occasions.
That second Grand Final appearance came in 2023 when they lost to Wigan Warriors 10-2 but the Dragons intend to go again in 2024 and have made a positive start.
Catalans beat Warrington Wolves at home despite losing former England international Micky McIlorum to a red card on the first tackle of the second-half.
Despite that Steve McNamara’s side were able to hang on and win with new signings Jordan Abdull and Jayden Nikorima being particular bright sparks.
One of Super League’s finest coaches extends
It was confirmed on Sky Sports’ Rugby League Verdict that McNamara would extend his deal with the French club and would remain until the end of the 2026 season.
It’s a major deal for Catalans and their owner Bernard Guasch given just how good McNamara is as a head coach and the stability that he brought the club.
From almost being relegated via the Million Pound Game to hiring the ex-England boss and heading to two Grand Finals just highlights the incredible job that has been done in the south of France by McNamara.
Speaking about the news on Sky Sports’ Rugby League Verdict, McNamara told Jenna Brooks: “I came here in 2017 with all sorts of trouble. I invested a big part of my life across here now. I don’t know, there just seems to be a connection there.
“I never spoke a word of French before came. I needed the help and the support of people around here to try and help their club stay in Super League. It just seemed to click really.”
On the Dragons clash with London this Friday, McNamara said: “I thought they looked solid, I thought they did an extremely good job to get themselves back into Super League. Mike Eccles has done a great job at the club and I thought they did as well as they could in a tough game against St Helens in Round One.”
The Dragons also release a statement confirming the news.
