Antoni Maria to leave Catalans at end of season

Catalans have confirmed prop Antoni Maria will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old has made 66 appearances for the Dragons in Super League and also enjoyed a spell with Leigh in 2017. Maria has earned nine caps for France.

Maria said: “I would like to thank the club for the seven years I have spent here.

“The Catalans Dragons have allowed me to live on my passion and I am very grateful.

“After this season, the timing is right for me to move on and start a new chapter with another great French club, Lezignan.

“I obviously wish to finish on a high with my teammates and I will continue to work hard every day to help the team go as far as possible in the competition. Finally, I would like to thank all the fans, I will only keep great memories of my years spent at the club.”

Dragons coach Steve McNamara added: “Antoni is a whole hearted player who gives everything on the field. We look forward to him continuing to do this for rest of this season.

“We respect the decision he has made regarding his future. A good opportunity has arisen for him moving forward and he will definitely take his experience to strengthen the elite French competition.”

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.