Laurent Frayssinous named new Catalan coach

Catalan have appointed their first French boss in the shape of former player Laurent Frayssinous.

Frayssinous, 35, played for the Dragons in their inaugural season in Super League in 2006, and has gone on to be assistant coach to Mick Potter, Kevin Walters and Trent Robinson.

Chairman Bernard Guasch said: “It’s a new chapter in the Dragons history with the appointment of a French headcoach but I think Laurent is ready to become the new Catalans Dragons headcoah. He worked hard during the last six years and we believe that he was the ideal candidate to take the Dragons forward. 

“He is the best person to continue the good job done by Trent Robinson during the last two seasons.”

Robinson left the Dragons to take up the head coach role at Sydney Roosters, having guided the club to the play-offs in both of his seasons in charge.

A stand-off during his playing days, Frayssinous scored 76 points in 16 games in 2006, and was also a France international. He was assistant coach for the national team at the 2008 World Cup.

He said: “I’m honoured to become the new headcoach and the first French coach in the Dragons history but it’s just the beginning for me. I worked really hard over the last two years and it’s a great reward. It was a great opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to take this next step in my coaching career, I feel I’m ready now.”