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Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins has stepped down as head coach of Catalans Dragons after just shy of a year in charge and recent absences; Ryan Sheridan will step up into the interim head coach role, supported by Micky McIlorum and Mitchell Pearce

Tuesday 14 April 2026 12:31, UK

Joel Tomkins has taken the job at Catalans Dragons full time. (SWPix)
Image: Joel Tomkins has cited time away from family being challenging as a factor for his decision to step down

Joel Tomkins has confirmed he has chosen to step down from his role as head coach at Catalans Dragons, a role he held for just under a year, due to "personal reasons".

The former England rugby league and union international revealed that time away from family had been challenging and after a recent period of time back at home, he made the decision to leave Dragons after seven games of the Super League season with the side sixth in the table.

Initially Tomkins had taken on the role as an interim coach following Steve McNamara's departure, but within months he was appointed to the permanent role at the club he had spent the last years of his playing career at.

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"My time at Catalans Dragons over the past 18 months has brought plenty of highs, along with some challenges, all of which I've genuinely valued as a rookie head coach," Tomkins said.

"I've learned a great deal, both personally and professionally, and I'm grateful for the friendships and experiences I've gained along the way.

"I leave the club a better coach than when I arrived.

"However, living away from my family for a prolonged period has been difficult.

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"After recently spending some time back at home due to personal reasons, I've taken the decision to step away and bring my time at the club to a close.

"I'm very grateful to the players, staff and supporters, and I wish the club every success for the remainder of the season and in future."

Tomkins had been absent from the club's last three fixtures, in which they took one win after winning three of their first four, sparking belief that the former Wigan Warriors star would be making an exit.

Ryan Sheridan interim head coach of Catalans Dragons
Image: Ryan Sheridan had been serving as assistant coach but will step into the interim head coach role

Ryan Sheridan, alongside assistant coaches Micky McIlorum and Mitchell Pearce, will be taking over as interim head coach with the side's next game on April 18 against top of the table Warrington Wolves in the Super League.

2026 Super League - key dates and what to look out for

  • Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)
  • Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5
  • Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26
  • Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20
  • Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27
  • Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.

Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+

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