Walters stands down as Catalans coach

Catalans boss Kevin Walters has become the latest coach to stand down from his position at the end of the season.

The Australian, who arrived in Perpignan at the beginning of last season, will not be taking up the option in his contract to coach the Dragons in 2011, joining St Helens‘ Mick Potter, Bradford’s Steve McNamara and Huddersfield’s Nathan Brown in moving on to pastures new for the next campaign.

Walters said: “The Dragons are a great club with good people involved. My family and I have enjoyed our time here in Perpignan and I look forward to finishing off 2010 with some good results, similar to our campaign in 2009. I know that this is possible in both the Carnegie Challenge Cup and the engage Super League with plenty of hard work and a little bit of luck.”

Walters led Catalans to within 80 minutes of their first Super League Grand Final appearance last season, but they have struggled with injuries for much of 2010.

Chairman Bernard Gausch said: “I understand Kevin’s decision but I’m very disappointed for him. He was a great man who works hard and was really unlucky this season. I hope he will get better results with the team during this second part of 2010 campaign. He deserves a good ending and I hope he will find a new club for a new start in his professional life.”

Walters made more than 240 appearances for Brisbane in a ten year career with the Broncos, separated by a brief spell in Super League with Warrington.

He made 20 appearances for Queensland in State of Origin and earned eight caps for Australia.