Deakin on compassionate leave


 
 

Catalans Dragons reserve team Headcoach Steve Deakin has been granted a compassionate leave to return to his native England, close to his family.

The former Huddersfield, London Broncos, Keighley and Sheffield assistant coach was in charge of Saint-Estève XIII Catalan since the start of the 2010/2011 season.

After a first spell from 2003 to 2005 as headcoach of UTC, winning the French cup and League double in 2005, he came back at the club in 2010 as headcoach of the Catalans Dragons reserve team, guiding in 2013 the team to their first Grand Final since the introduction of the Catalans Dragons in Super League.

Steve Deakin said : “I have had the priviledge and honour to be coach of Saint-Estève XIII Catalan since August 2010. In that time I have made countless friends; shared  moments that will stay with me forever and seen 11 players that have made their debut for the emblematic French super league club.”

“I would like to place on record my appreciation to the club president, Bernard Guasch , for having not only giving me the opportunity to work for the club but also for the way that he allowed me to finish my contract early so that I may return to England on compassionate grounds.”

“ I would also like to thank Gérard Caillis for the support he has given me as coach as well as thanking all the players and staff that I have been involved with in this incredible 4 years.”

 “I know that the club has made massive strides forward since 2006 and is clearly set to be one of the leaders in northern hemisphere rugby league both on and off the field as they move forward under the leadership of Bernard Guasch and Laurent Frayssinous.”