Thursday 9 July 2015 16:19, UK
Catalans Dragons half-back Scott Dureau is to leave the French club at the end of the current season.
The 28-year-old has decided not to sign a new contract and will return home to Australia.
He said: “After five years here, I’ve made a decision for me and my family to return home. It’s been a great five years with the Dragons but I think the time his right to go back to Australia and to the NRL.
“It has been a great experience in France and it is something I will never forget. I have made a lot great memories and I’ve made some lifelong friends.
“I would like to thank the fans for their support over the last five years but also my team-mates and the staff at the club. Thank you for everything.”
Dureau has made 80 Super League appearances and scored 27 tries and 694 points since joining the Dragons in 2011. He was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2011 and 2012, and was the first Catalans player to win the Albert Goldthorpe Medal in 2012.
Chairman Bernard Guasch said: “I understand that after five years being away from home and their families, that Scott and his wife want to return in Australia.
“He will remain among the great players who have made their mark in the club's history.
“The best Dragons games have been played with Scott on the field. He has been a great servant to the Catalans Dragons and a great guy to have at the club.
“He showed a lot of courage to come back to his best after his health problems. We wish him all the best for the future, he will be always be welcome in the South of France.”
Catalans Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous added: “I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the Club over the past five seasons. He’s been an absolute pleasure to coach.
“He has always given his best to help the club, both on and off the field. It is no co-incidence that the team has reached the end of season play-offs in every season since he arrived at the club. I wish him and his wife Libby all the best and we will do everything to give him the best ending to his career at the club.”
