Super League has been a hive of activity in recent weeks, with sides scrambling to assemble competitive squads for the 2025 season. There have been a number of major transfers confirmed with clubs looking to steal a march on their rivals.
But it is not just on the field that clubs are looking to improve. Wigan Warriors have set the standard in recent years, with a top-class Rugby operation laying the foundation for their on-field success. Now, several of their rivals are playing catch up as they look to assemble a back room staff to compete with the Cherry and Whites.
Leeds Rhinos are the latest side to recruit a Sporting Director, with Ian Blease joining the Rhinos from rivals, Salford Red Devils. Salford are now on the hunt for Blease’s replacement, with some big shoes to fill given the club’s recent success in recent years.
Now, another Super League side is on the hunt for a new Head of Performance, as their incumbent has been poached by a Rugby Union side.
Head of Performance leaves Super League side
Credit: Imago Images
Catalans Dragons have achieved huge success in recent years, with the side reaching last year’s Super League Grand-Final, only to lose out to Wigan Warriors. The French side remains in contention at the top end of Super League this season, however, a run of poor results has seen them slip back into fifth place.
Now, the club has lost their Head of Performance. Matt Parr, who joined Les Dracs in January 2022, will leave the club. He moves back to Rugby Union to join the Leicester Tigers, whom he left to move to the Catalans originally.
Parr will take up the role of Head of Athletic Performance at the Tigers. Speaking upon confirmation of his move, Parr said:
“This is a very special opportunity for me.”
“I’m thankful to Catalan Dragons for my time there and I’m very excited to bring the knowledge and experience I’ve gained back to Tigers.
“The club means a lot to me, and I’ll drive through the gates at Oval Park ready to get stuck into preseason to prepare the players for the upcoming season.”
Catalans Dragons announce new Chief Executive
Credit: Imago Images
On the same day that McIlroy’s departure has been announced, the Dragons have also moved to appoint a new Chief Executive. Sebastien Munoz, the club’s former Sporting Director, returns to the club to work alongside president, Bernard Gausch. In a club statement announcing the appointment, Munoz stated:
“I am happy and proud to join the Catalans Dragons. I would like to thank Chairman Bernard Guasch and the members of the Board of Directors for their trust, and I am also grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to return today to serve the club. I won’t hide that I am enthusiastic and eager to take on the challenges ahead of us. I look forward to contributing to the success and growth of the Catalans Dragons.
“Rejoining the Catalans Dragons is choosing to be part of a sport project, but not only that, as the Dragons’ project is also social, economic, educational, academic, and territorial. The club also represents a driving force for French rugby league.
“I am aware that in recent years, the club has continued to develop and grow thanks to all the people involved. I come with a lot of humility and respect for everything that has already been accomplished.
“I am coming because it is the DRAGONS and because I have always had a connection and an interest in this club.
