Ex-Newcastle Thunder coach Eamon O’Carroll makes Super League return

Former Newcastle Thunder head coach Eamon O’Carroll has returned to Super League outfit Catalans Dragons to take charge of the club’s reserves.

O’Carroll resigned from his position as Thunder boss back in June. Thunder had won just five of their first 15 games of the campaign under O’Carroll.

The 35-year-old has now returned to the Dragons, where he worked as assistant coach to Steve McNamara between 2019-20. He then left the club to return to England to be close to his family, and subsequently took the role offered to him by ambitious Championship club Thunder.

O’Carroll said: “I’m very happy to be back at the Dragons.

“It’s a huge honour to be able to help bringing the young players through. It’s a great job, it will be difficult but I am looking forward to meet the players and all the staff.”

Dragons head coach pleased with return of Eamon O’Carroll

O’Carroll, a former Ireland international, made more than 150 career appearances during his playing career for Wigan, Hull and Widnes. He also played in two World Cups before being forced to retire through injury in 2017.

McNamara is pleased to welcome O’Carroll back to the south of France.

He said: “I am extremely happy that Eamon has returned to our club.

“His knowledge, work ethic and ability to connect with young men will ensure a quicker progression of our future players. He adds outstanding quality to our existing staff.”

The Dragons’ reserve team, Saint-Esteve, play in the French Elite 1 Championship. Many of the club’s first team came through the Saint-Esteve ranks, including Mathieu Laguerre, Cesar Rouge, Corentin Le Cam, Arthur Mourgue, Paul Seguier and Alrix Da Costa.

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