Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Wigan Warriors star Sam Tomkins on a three-year contract, with an option of a further year.

The 2012 Man of Steel, who turned 29 in March, is the first signing of Steve McNamara for 2019

Sam Tomkins said: “I'm really looking forward to the next chapter of my career at the Dragons. I have always enjoyed playing at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium and it will be good to call it home. After speaking with Catalans, it was clear the club has big ambitions for the future and I want to be part of that. I have worked with Steve for 5 years at international level and I am looking forward to working with him again. I have good friends already playing at the club in Micky and Lewis and they speak very highly of the club, players and staff so I know I'm in good hands.”

Having progressed through the Wigan Youth Development System, Tomkins burst on to the scene in 2008, scoring five tries on his debut. Starting his career as a half-Back, he soon moved to the full-Back position where he would go on to win three Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cup Finals and two League Leaders Trophies with the Cherry and Whites.

Named Super League Young Player of the Year award twice in 2009 and 2010, he then featured in five successive Super League Dream Team’s and was the 2012 Man of Steel.

Tomkins scored 158 tries in 186 games for Wigan.

He left his hometown club to join the NRL and the New Zealand Warriors in 2014, scoring 14 tries in 37 NRL games before returning to Wigan after two seasons Down Under.

Tomkins also enjoyed success on the international stage, representing England on 23 occasions.

Catalans Dragons headcoach Steve McNamara said: “In signing Sam, we have acquired an outstanding leader, decision maker and fierce competitor. His desire to join the Catalans Dragons and to be part of our future ambitions was very impressive from the outset. He has and continues to excel at every level of our sport, he is a proven winner with an incredible work ethic and will have a huge influence over both our team and club.”

Club CEO Christophe Jouffret added: “The club is moving forward and in signing one of the best player in the Super League history, we are making a statement of intent. His desire to join our club has found an echo in our wish to add to our squad a new outstanding and talented player.”

Sam Tomkins profile

Date of Birth : 23 March, 1989
Height : 179 cm
Weight : 83 kg
Position : Fullback – Halfback
Previous Clubs : Wigan Warriors, New Zealand Warriors
Debut : Wigan vs Whitehaven, DW Stadium, 12/05/2008
Club Stats : Wigan Warriors (2008-13, 2016-18) : 186 appearances,  158 tries, 77 goals, 790 points | New Zealand Warriors (2014-15) : 37 appearances, 14 tries
Rep. Honours : England : 23 games, 14 tries

Honours :
Super League Winner: 2010, 2013, 2016
Challenge Cup Winner: 2011, 2013
League Leader’s Shield Winner: 2010, 2012
Man of Steel: 2012
Super League Young Player of the Year: 2009, 2010
Super League Dream Team: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013