Sam Tomkins set to retire


 
 

Sam Tomkins will retire at the end of the season.

The England captain, who arrived at the club in 2019, will hang up his boots after 16 seasons as a Rugby League professional

But the Catalans Dragons player will stay at the club, joining the Dragons Staff after the 2023 season in a generic role that will develop over the next few years. He will be involved in the recruitment process and will help the Dragons in a marketing and ambassador capacity, by attending certain meetings and functions for the Club. Occasionally he will help the Coaching Staff with position specific training and skills. He will also have a vital role in educating the Dragons young professionals and ensuring the strong club culture evolves.

Having progressed through the Wigan Youth Development System, Sam Tomkins won 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.

He joined the Dragons in 2019. Named in the 2021 Dream Team, he has also been named Man of Steel and won the League Leaders Shield with the club. He scored 28 tries and 382 points in 83 games with the Dragons since his arrival at the club.

Captain of the England team, he represented his country on 29 occasions, scoring 18 tries.

Sam Tomkins
When I made the decision to come to the Dragons in 2018, I had two young children. I saw it as an opportunity to play for a great club while my family could experience a new culture. Since then I have had 2 more children during my time in France and this feels like home for us now.

From day 1 at the club we felt very welcome and I knew the club was going in the right direction. I would love to continue my career on the field with this team but after 15 years of full time rugby it’s time to call an end to my playing career at the end of the 2023 season.

I have loved every moment of living out my childhood dream of being a rugby player.

It’s been an honour to play for 3 great clubs, firstly playing for my hometown club of Wigan Warriors where I was given the opportunity and guidance to work through the reserve grades before becoming a regular Super League player, secondly the NZ warriors for a great experience in the NRL where I grew as a player and person alike and lastly the Dragons where I have been able to play my part as a leader in a club going from strength to strength over the last 4 years.

A sportsman’s career is full of ups and downs, from winning trophies to the inevitable injuries. I am lucky that the high points of my career have far outweighed any low points.

Although my time on the field is coming to an end, I will remain with the club in a new role.

The Dragons remain an ambitious Club. Having cemented their place as a leading Super League team there is a genuine desire to develop the Club both on and off the field. I am delighted that I will be a part of that process and hope that I can contribute positively towards a Club that has become a huge part of my life and career.

Bernard Guasch, Catalans Dragons chairman
Sam will remain as one of the greatest players to have worn the Dragons’ jersey. He helped the club to take a step forward during his time with us and it would be great if he could end his immense career with a title.

We have talked a lot since his decision to stop playing and we are delighted with his desire to stay at the club. He wants to stay here in Perpignan and we want to keep him. He must be more and more involved in the development of the club in the years to come to continue to make it grow.

Neil McIlroy, Catalans Dragons Sporting Director
Retaining Sam at the club sends out an important message about the ambitions that we have here. He is first and foremost a good person, strong in values and culture. It is great that he has decided to remain at the Club and keep his family in Perpignan. The role that he will have is pretty wide ranging but will let us evaluate what his best qualities are, and in what sector they can be used.

Having ex-players who have worn the Catalan’s jersey involved is important in developing the Club’s identity. He should now enjoy his last season and hopefully help lead the Dragons to success on the field and possibly a title. It would be a fitting end to a great career.

Steve McNamara, Catalans Dragons Headcoach
Sam’s decision to retire at the end of the 2023 season will bring down the curtain on an incredible career and contribution to the whole of Rugby League.

He will of course and rightly so be long remembered for his on-field contributions, his quality, leadership and desire to compete in every situation which I am sure will be shown on highlights reels for many years to come and is there for everyone to see.

But for me and having the chance to work personally with him as both the England and Catalans Dragons coach his highest quality is his ability to treat everybody within the organisations with the upmost respect and on equal terms. From the cleaner to the president, the experienced overseas players to the youngest domestic players Sam has time for and is willing to help everybody.

We at the Catalans Dragons thank him for his huge contribution to the progression and development of our club. His role moving forward within our organisation will help that to continue but for now our sole focus is on Sam playing this season and helping us achieve our goals and ambitions.