Ex-GB boss Waite is new Catalan assistant

Former Great Britain head coach David Waite has signed a two-year contract to become the new assistant coach at Catalan Dragons.

The experienced Waite, 61, will assist rookie coach and former France international Laurent Frayssinous, who was recently appointed as Trent Robinson’s successor after the Australian returned Down Under with Sydney Roosters.

Frayssinous said: “To have someone like David Waite in the coaching staff was a great opportunity I could not miss. He has coached the best teams and was one of the best head coach.

“To be honest, I was a little bit surprised when he contacted me to apply for the assistant coach job. But he wants to focus on the game now, without dealing with all the team management responsibilities.

“I’m very happy to welcome him in the coaching staff, he is of the best rugby league technician. His experience and his knowledge of the game will be really valuable and I’m looking forward to work with David.”

The Australian, whose father was born in Leicester, previously worked with Catalan behind the scenes during their inaugural season in Super League in 2006.

He said: “I’ve been involved at the start of the Catalans history and I’m excited to come back at the club.

“I believe Laurent has the potential to become a great Head Coach, he worked really hard for that and I want to help him and the club to achieve the goals and to become more successful.”

Waite’s coaching career started in Australia in 1991 with Newcastle Knights, and he led St George to Grand Finals in 1996 and 1999.

He joined the RFL in 2000 and was head coach of the Great Britain side between 2001 and 2003.