Joel Tomkins: Catalans Dragons coach leaves for personal reasons

Catalans Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins has left the club for personal reasons after nine months in the role.

The 39-year-old took over in June last year after Steve McNamara’s exit and then signed a contract until the end of the 2027 campaign last July.

Coaches Ryan Sheridan, Michael McIlorum and Mitchell Pearce have taken the team for their previous three games and will remain in charge for the time being.

“I have learned a great deal, both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the connections and experiences gained along the way,” Tomkins told the club website.

“I’m leaving the club a better coach than when I arrived.

“However, living away from my family for such a long time has been difficult. After recently spending some time at home for personal reasons, I have made the decision to end my contract with the club.”

Tomkins, the older brother of former Man of Steel Sam, was a dual-code international in his playing days.

He had two spells with Wigan Warriors either side of his time in union with Saracens and ended his playing career with Les Dracs in 2021 having made 25 appearances for the club over two seasons.

The French side have won four and lost three of their Super League games this season and were knocked out of the Challenge Cup in the quarter finals by St Helens last week.