Catalans Dragons Confirm 13 Departures as Tomkins and Whitehead Retire

Catalans Dragons have announced that no fewer than 13 players will leave the club at the end of the 2025 season, signalling the end of a significant era in Perpignan. The club confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, ahead of their final home game of the season against Wigan on August 30, when each departing player will be honoured.

Among the exits are two of the modern game’s most influential Englishmen – Sam Tomkins and Elliott Whitehead, both set to retire from professional rugby league.

Sam Tomkins – A decorated career comes to an end

Tomkins joined Catalans in 2019 after glittering spells with Wigan and New Zealand Warriors, and quickly established himself as the Dragons’ key figure. His class, leadership, and match-winning ability were pivotal in guiding the club to their maiden League Leaders’ Shield in 2021 and two Super League Grand Finals. That same year, he was crowned Man of Steel, underlining his status as one of the competition’s greatest imports.

Across 118 appearances for Catalans, Tomkins scored 41 tries and accumulated 474 points, making him the third-highest scorer in club history. His career as a whole spans over 400 professional games, multiple Grand Final victories with Wigan, and 29 England caps.

Elliott Whitehead – From Perpignan to Canberra and back

Whitehead’s journey has been equally remarkable. After breaking through at Bradford, he became a fan favourite in his first spell at Catalans before earning a move to the NRL with Canberra Raiders, where he spent eight seasons and captained the side. Known for his toughness, intelligence, and tireless work rate, Whitehead played 79 games for the Dragons in his two spells, scoring 33 tries, and was named in the Catalans Team of the Decade.

With 27 England caps and a World Cup Final appearance, he retires as one of the most respected back-rowers of his generation.

Whitehead will turn 36 on September 4.

Keary exit adds intrigue

Also leaving the club is Luke Keary, who will not see out the final year of his contract. The Australian playmaker arrived in Perpignan in 2025 but will depart after one season. His outspoken criticism of the standard of Super League earlier this year has fuelled speculation that he is eyeing a return to the NRL rather than continuing in Europe.

Other notable departures

The club confirmed the exits of several other long-serving players:

• Fouad Yaha, Catalans’ all-time top try-scorer with 108 tries in 175 games.
• Arthur Romano and Paul Séguier, both academy graduates from 2015.
• Théo Fages, who will return to his junior club Pia after a decorated career in England and France.
• Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Reimis Smith, and Tevita Pangai Jr, along with youngsters Tanguy Zenon and Denive Balmforth.

End of an era

In total, 13 departures represent one of the largest overhauls in the club’s history. The Dragons have pledged to celebrate their contributions after the final home match against Wigan, where supporters will farewell some of the most influential figures ever to wear the red and gold.

The exits of Tomkins and Whitehead in particular mark the end of a golden chapter, closing the book on two careers that have left a lasting legacy both at Catalans and on the international stage.

It’s been a disappointing campaign for the French side, winning 7 matches from 23 which led to the exit of Steve McNamara as head coach.