Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Michael McIlorum on a two-year contract.

The club has reached to find an agreement with the Wigan Warriors to sign the Ireland International.

Originally from Leeds, he joined the Warriors Academy in 2005 and made his first team debut in 2007.

McIlorum, 29, has played his entire professional career at Wigan with whom he won the 2010, 2013 and 2016 Super League titles.

He has also won the Challenge Cup on two occasions in 2011 and 2013


He played the 2008 World Cup with Ireland before switching his international allegiance to England in 2011 when Steve McNamara called him up in the England squad to face Exiles. He then represented England at the 2013 RLWC, still under Steve McNamara before playing again for Ireland at the last World Cup.

Catalans Dragons headcoach Steve McNamara said: “In signing Michael, we have brought to the club one of the fiercest competitors in Rugby League. Whilst he is widely recognized as a very good defensive player, his contribution in attack during the recent World Cup for Ireland showed another side to his game. We are delighted that Michael has chosen to join us and along with Paul Aiton and Alrix Da Costa, we now have real quality and depth in that department.”

Club CEO Christophe Jouffret added: “As required by our headcoach Steve McNamara when he arrived at the club, we continue to strengthen our pack and add depth to our squad with the signing of Michael. Our squad now reaches nearly 30 players, which allows us to apprehend this new season in a more comfortable way. On behalf of the Catalans Dragons club, I would like to thank his agent Andy Clarke and our friends from Wigan who have helped this transfer to happen despite the final two years on Michael’s contract.”

Michael McIlorum profile

Date of Birth : 10 January, 1988
Height : 173 cm
Weight : 88 kg
Position : Hooker
Previous Clubs : Wigan Warriors
NRL Debut : Wigan vs Harlequins, JJB Stadium, 08/06/2007
Club Stats : Wigan Warriors (2007-17) : 244 appearances, 24 tries
Rep. Honours : Ireland (2008,2017) : 6 appearances, 1 tries | England (2011-2013) : 5 appearances