Catalans Dragons

Catalans Dragons

Club information
Full name	Catalans Dragons XIII
Nickname(s)	The Dragons
Short name	Catalans Dragons
Colours	White, Red and Gold
Founded	2000; 25 years ago (2000)
Website	Official website
Current details
Ground(s)	Stade Gilbert Brutus (13,000)
Chairman	Bernard Guasch
Coach	Steve McNamara
Captain	Benjamin Garcia
Competition	Super League
2024 season	7th
Uniforms
Home colours Third colours
Records
French Championships	1 (2004–05)
British Championships	0
League Leaders' Shields	1 (2021)
Challenge Cups	1 (2018)
Other honours	6

Catalans Dragons (French: Dragons Catalans, Catalan: Dracs Catalans) are a professional rugby league club from Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. Despite being based in France the club competes in Super League, the top tier of British rugby league

Formed after the merger of XIII Catalan and AS Saint-Estève, they have won one French Championship and two Lord Derby Cups. In Britain they have never won the League Championship but have won the Challenge Cup once.

Catalans play home games at Stade Gilbert Brutus. Their traditional home colours are white red and gold.

History

2000–2005: Formation in Elite 1

The club was founded in 2000 after the merger of two teams in the area of Perpignan, XIII Catalan and AS Saint-Estève. The merged team took the name Union Treiziste Catalane, often abbreviated to UTC.

XIII Catalan were founded in 1935 and thus were founding members of the French Championship. During their run, they won 11 French Championships and 11 Lord Derby Cups. AS Saint-Estève were founded in 1965. They won six championships and four Lord Derby Cups. There were two other clubs in the twelve-team competition in Pyrénées-Orientales: Pia XIII and Saint-Cyprien. In 2002 Saint-Cyprien joined the merged UTC side. UTC won the 2005 French Championship and the 2004 and 2005 Lord Derby Cups.

2006–2007: Transfer to Super League and Challenge Cup final

Catalans Dragons logo used in 2006 and 2007.

In 2006, UTC transferred from the French to British rugby league system, joining the Super League XI following a successful application in 2005. They were selected ahead of Toulouse Olympique and Villeneuve Leopards. The club was named Catalans Dragons, while a new club, Saint-Estève XIII Catalan, was formed in the French Championship to serve as a reserve team for the club. The club set a target for 75% of the players be qualified to play for France.

The Catalans are the second French side to play in the Super League. The first, Paris Saint-Germain, lasted only two seasons. Both rugby codes have their stronghold in the southwest of France, with the north favouring association football.

To ensure that the Catalans had the best French players available to them, the French rugby league decided to let them sign players from other French clubs without paying a transfer fee. The RFL also made them exempt from relegation for their first three years in Super League.

Many^[who?] at the time believe the Catalans would be joined by other French clubs,^{[citation needed]} but the idea of expanding into France had critics.^[who?]

The Catalans won their first ever Super League match 38–30 against Wigan on 11 February 2006, at Stade Aimé Giral. The club encountered difficulties in their first season in the Super League. Many of less experienced French players suffered from tiredness towards the end of an injury-marred campaign. A particular loss included captain Stacey Jones, who missed much of the season with a broken arm. The team finished bottom of the table, but the three-year exemption from relegation kept them in the Super League.

Catalans Dragons during their first Challenge Cup Final in 2007 at Wembley Stadium.

The year 2007 saw a strong recruitment by new coach Mick Potter with a string of high-profile signings from Australia, including Clint Greenshields, Casey McGuire, Jason Croker and Aaron Gorrell, all seasoned NRL campaigners. Gorrell, a goalkicking hooker, impressed in the first month but sustained a bad knee injury in February's win over Leeds and missed the rest of the season. On 10 March 2007, it was announced that Newcastle Knights hooker Luke Quigley would cover Gorrell's absence for the remainder of the campaign, but a number of players sustained injuries throughout the campaign.

On 29 July 2007, the Catalans became the first French side and first non-British side to reach the final of the Challenge Cup after beating Wigan 37–24 in the semi-final. The Catalans lost the 2007 Challenge Cup Final against St. Helens at Wembley Stadium on 25 August 2007. They finished the 2007 season in tenth place.

2008–2017: Improvement in league results

Catalans Dragons playing at Gilbert Brutus in 2009

In 2008, the Catalans secured their first playoff berth by finishing third in the league. They thrashed Warrington 46–8 in their first-ever playoff match on 13 September in Perpignan, but 20 September saw Wigan end up victorious in what had been a close game in the second half of their elimination final, with Wigan winning 50–26.

Coach Mick Potter left the Dragons at the end of the 2008 season to replace Daniel Anderson at St Helens.

In 2009, they were involved in two historic milestones for the sport of rugby league in Europe. During their match away to the Welsh club Crusaders on 23 May, the two clubs played the first Super League match to not feature an English team.^[1] History was also created on 20 June, when the club played in the first Super League game to be played in Spain, at Barcelona's Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the venue for the 1992 Summer Olympics, against Warrington. The Dragons led 10–6 at halftime, but Warrington finished as the winners 12–24.^[2] The purpose of the latter fixture was to promote the sport in Catalonia, with around 1000 tickets being sold in the local area, and the game was televised on the Catalan channel El 33.^[3] Immediately after the game, Walters commented that the event in Spain could become an annual one,^[2] apparently complementing comments made by the club's general manager about using a new high-speed link between Perpignan and Spain, supposed to start running within two years.^[3]

Catalans Dragons supporters during a home game against Wigan Warriors in 2011

In 2016 Catalans Dragons celebrated ten years in the Super League competition. After a recruitment drive, which saw a number of transfers from the NRL, expectations were high. After opening defeats to Wigan and Hull FC, the Dragons edged Leeds 32–28 in round three and then took seven wins from their next eight matches. Following their 42–32 win over Salford at the end of April, Laurent Frayssinous' side sat second in the table, level on points with leaders Warrington. However, a series of injury setbacks to key players in the second half of the season saw them drop down the table. Catalans lost their final six regular season games which meant they headed into the Super 8s two points adrift of fourth-placed St Helens. Five defeats from seven saw them finish the season in sixth place and miss out on a play-off spot. After a difficult two years at Huddersfield, Jodie Broughton's move to the south of France saw him kick-start his career. The winger scored 19 tries in 2016 including four in the Dragons' 30–12 win over St Helens in April. Todd Carney was released after two seasons at Catalans.^[4]

2018–present: Establishment as a top club

On 25 August 2018, Catalans Dragons won their first British Rugby League trophy, after defeating Warrington 20–14 in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final, in the process becoming the first non-English team to win the competition.^[5][6]

During the 2019 season, Catalans Dragons held their home match against Wigan at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. The match was the first Super League game in Spain and attracted a record attendance for a Super League game, outside of the Grand Final or Magic Weekend, of 31,555. The game resulted in a 33–16 victory for the Dragons.^[7]

On 28 January 2020, Catalans Dragons announced that they had signed Israel Folau despite him holding to the Biblical teaching that those who practice homosexuality without repenting will go to hell (going so far as to suggest that the 2019–20 Australian bushfires were God's judgment on Australia for allowing same sex marriage and abortion).^[8] Wigan Warriors responded by saying that their next game against Catalans would be named Pride Day.^[9]

In 2021, Catalans won Super League's League Leaders' Shield for the first time, following a 31–30 golden point extra time victory over reigning champions St Helens during Magic Weekend. On 9 October 2021, Catalans played in their first ever Super League Grand Final with the opponents being reigning champions St Helens. Catalans lead the match in the second half but a try late to St Helens saw Catalans lose 12–10.^[10] In the 2022 Super League season, Catalans finished 4th on the table and qualified for the playoffs. The club would be eliminated from the playoffs in the first week, suffering a shock 20-10 loss against Leeds.^[11]

In the 2023 Super League season, Catalans finished second on the table, equal on points with Wigan who finished first. They would eventually reach the grand final after beating St Helens in the semi-final which ended the clubs four-year dominance of the competition. Catalans would go on to lose the 2023 Super League Grand Final 10-2 against Wigan. Catalans became the first team since the Super League era began in 1996 to not score a try in the final.^[12] In the 2024 Super League season, Catalans had a disappointing campaign finishing 7th on the table and missing out on the playoffs.^[13]

Stadiums

Stade Aimé Giral: 2006–2007

Main article: Stade Aimé Giral

The Catalans moved into the stadium in 2006, when they were accepted into Super League. They ground shared with rugby union side USA Perpignan, which own and operate the stadium, but it is a multipurpose stadium used occasionally for other sports and events.

Stade Gilbert Brutus: 2007–present

Stade Gilbert Brutus

Main article: Stade Gilbert Brutus

The Stade Gilbert Brutus was opened in 1962 and has hosted mostly rugby league and union and hosted numerous test matches involving the France national team. It was previously the home to Northern Catalonia rugby league team. When the Dragons moved in the capacity was just over 4,000.

The Catalans have redeveloped and expanded the ground to 13,000 since they moved here.

Kit sponsors and manufacturers

Year	Kit Manufacturer	Main Shirt Sponsor
2000–2008	ISC	none
2009	Nike	IDEC
2010–2011	ISC	Seafrance
2012–2018		la Region
2019–2021	O'Neills
2022-2026	Macron

2025 squad

2025 Catalans Dragons Squad

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First team squad								Coaching staff
Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet – CE, FB Yacine Ben Abdeslem – LF, HK Julian Bousquet – PR Loan Castano – LF Nick Cotric – WG, CE Alrix Da Costa – HK Jordan Dezaria – LF, PR, SR Theo Fages – SH, SO, HK Valentin Fernandez – HK Benjamin Garcia (c) – LF, SR, HK Luke Keary – SO, SH		Matthieu Laguerre – CE, WG Tommy Makinson – WG, FB Franck Maria – PR, LF Arthur Mourgue – SH, SO, FB Romain Navarette – PR Tevita Pangai Junior – PR, SR, LF Oliver Partington – PR, LF Arthur Romano – WG, CE César Rougé – SH, HK, SO Chris Satae – PR, SR Paul Séguier – PR, SR Reimis Smith – CE, WG Tariq Sims – SR, LF, PR		Bayley Sironen – SR, LF, HK Sam Tomkins – FB, SO Elliott Whitehead – SR Fouad Yaha – WG Tanguy Zenon – WG, FB				Head coach Steve McNamara Assistant coaches Ryan Sheridan Joel Tomkins Legend: (c) Captain(s) (vc) Vice-captain(s) (gk) = Goal kicker

2025 transfers

Players In

Player	From	Contract	Date
Tommy Makinson	St Helens	2 years	June 2024[14]
Nick Cotric	Canberra Raiders	3 years	June 2024[15]
Oliver Partington	Salford Red Devils	2 years	June 2024[16]
Elliott Whitehead	Canberra Raiders	1 year	July 2024[17]
Luke Keary	Sydney Roosters	2 years	July 2024[18]
Reimis Smith	Melbourne Storm	1 year	August 2024[19]
Tevita Pangai Junior	Dolphins		August 2024[20]

Players Out

Player	To	Contract	Date
Mike McMeeken	Wakefield Trinity	4 years	May 2024[21]
Tom Johnstone			May 2024[22]
Tom Davies	Hull KR	3 Years	June 2024[23]
Michael Mcilorum		1 year	18 July 2024[24]

Players Released

Player	Date
Matt Ikuvalu	23 September 2024[25]
Manu Ma'u	23 September 2024

Players Retired

Player	Date
Jarrod Wallace	29 October 2024[26]

Players

Main article: List of Catalans Dragons players

Coaches

Name	From	To	P	W	D	L	Win %
Mick Potter	2007	2008	89	41	3	45	46%
Kevin Walters	2009	2010	57	21	0	36	37%
Trent Robinson	2011	2012	63	37	1	25	59%
Laurent Frayssinous	2013	2017	139	66	6	67	47%
Michael Monaghan (interim)	2017						%
Steve McNamara	2017	present	110	62	1	47	56%

Seasons

Main article: List of Catalans Dragons seasons

Honours

Catalans celebrating winning the Challenge Cup for the first time in 2018

League

• French Rugby League Championship / Elite One Championship:

Grand Final:

Winners (1): 2004–05
Runners-up (2): 2001–02, 2003–04

League Leaders (2): 2003–04, 2004–05

• Super League

Grand Final:

Runners-up (2): 2021, 2023

League Leaders' Shield:

Winners (1): 2021

Runners-up (1): 2023

Cups

• Lord Derby Cup:

Winners (3): 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05

• Challenge Cup:

Winners (1): 2018
Runners-up (1): 2007

Other

• Million Pound Game:

Winners (1): 2017

See also

• Catalans Dragons Wheelchair
• Saint-Estève XIII Catalan
• Rugby league in Catalonia

References

1. O'Neill, Matthew. "Super League's First Ever International (with no English)". www.rleague.com (The World of Rugby League). Archived from the original on 25 May 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
2. "Catalans Dragons 12–24 Warrington". news.bbc.co.uk (BBC Sport). 20 June 2009. Retrieved 20 June 2009.
3. "Dragons pleased with Barcelona ticket sales". www.superleague.co.uk (The RFL). Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
4. Season Review: Catalans Dragons, 3 December 2016
5. Scott, Ged (25 August 2018). "Challenge Cup final: Catalans beat Warrington 20-14 to win first trophy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
6. "Catalans Dragons beat Warrington in Challenge Cup final to make history". Guardian. 25 August 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
7. Bower, Aaron (18 May 2019). "Devastating Catalans prove too much for Wigan at enthusiastic Camp Nou". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
8. "Israel Folau under fire for implying bushfires are God's punishment". Guardian. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
9. "Israel Folau: shock and outrage greets Catalans Dragons' signing". Guardian. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
10. "Super League Grand Final: Catalans Dragons 10-12 St Helens: Saints win three in a row". BBC Sport.
11. "Super League play-offs: Catalans Dragons 10-20 Leeds Rhinos - Liam Sutcliffe hat-trick secures win". BBC Sport.
12. Bower, Aaron (14 October 2023). "Wigan Warriors crowned Super League champions after downing Dragons". The Observer.
13. "Catalans Dragons 2024 season review". www.superleague.co.uk.
14. "St Helens winger Makinson to join Catalans in 2025". BBC sport. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
15. "Catalans capture Nick Cotric for 2025". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
16. "Oliver Partington joins the dragons for 2025". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
17. "Whitehead back with the dragons in 2025". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
18. "Dragons sign Luke Keary". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
19. "Dragons snap up Reimis Smith". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
20. "dragons sign Tevita Pangai for 2025". superleague.co.uk. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
21. "Wakefield sign Catalans front rower McMeeken". BBC sport. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
22. "trinity resign Catalans winger Johnstone for 2025". BBC sport. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
23. "England winger Davies joins the Robins on three-year deal from 2025". BBC sport. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
24. "McMeeken To Join Trinity". hullkr.co.uk. 18 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
25. "8 players leave the club". catalansdragons.com. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
26. "Ex-Super League and State of Origin man retires leaving emotional message". seriousaboutrl.com. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.

• "Rugby League Tables and Statistics". The World of Rugby League. Archived from the original on 21 August 2007. Retrieved 14 May 2007.
• "Les Catalans Dragons". Super League Statistics. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 14 May 2007.

External links

• Official website (in French)
• Catalans Dragons at Superleague.co.uk
• The World of Rugby League
• League Unlimited
• Catalans Dragons stats at rugbyleagueproject.com