Steve McNamara explains why he's staying at Catalans Dragons

21 February 2024 , 16:23

590     0

Catalans Dragons' Steve McNamara (Image: PA)

Steve McNamara's long reign at Catalans will continue after the ex-England boss signed a new two-year contract with the Perpignan club.

McNamara, whose deal was due to expire at the end of the season, will remain at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium until the end of the 2026 campaign. The Yorkshireman has helped transform Les Dracs since arriving mid-season in 2017.

He led the Dragons to their first-ever trophy, winning the Challenge Cup in 2018, a year after saving the club from relegation following their win in the Million Pound Game.

McNamara, 52, claimed Super League Coach of the Year in 2021 for the first time in his career, having guided Catalans to a maiden League Leaders’ Shield and a first Grand Final. They reached Old Trafford again last year but lost on both occasions to St Helens and Wigan respectively.

McNamara, whose side started the new campaign with Saturday's 16-10 win over Warrington, said "After a brief conversation with Bernard [Guasch], it was a simple decision for me to stay at the Dragons. His ambition and commitment to continually improve our organisation is in line with my own ideas. The players and staff are also fully invested and I look forward to working alongside everyone to give ourselves every opportunity to be successful."

Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career

Catalans chairman Guasch added: "What Steve McNamara has achieved since his arrival at the club in 2017 is remarkable. He brought his knowledge, professionalism, and above all, the serenity that the club needed after some difficult years. He has been able to recruit and integrate young French players who represent the values of the club.

"The Dragons are now among the great clubs of the Super League, and we want to continue structuring the club to reach a next step. Our ambitions and objectives remain as high as ever each season, and I am convinced that we have the right people in place to lift another trophy."

David Craven