Catalans' Garcia to retire at end of season and take up sporting director role

Benjamin Garcia: Catalans Dragons stalwart to retire at end of 2026 Super League season and take up sporting director role Benjamin Garcia has been with Catalans Dragons since 2013 but will hang up his boots at the end of the 2026 Super League season; He will take up the role of Sporting Director at the club; He has been at the top level of the sport for 14 seasons Wednesday 8 July 2026 16:46, UK Catalans Dragons have announced that their captain Benjamin Garcia will retire at the end of the 2026 Super League season and take up the role of sporting director at the club. Garcia has been with the French outfit since 2013 and has played at the top level for 14 seasons. In his time with Catalans, Garcia has made 282 appearances and scored 42 tries, becoming the third-most capped player in the club's history. - Wigan win ferocious derby battle with St Helens at Magic - Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOW - Choose the Sky Sports notifications you want - Listen to The Bench, Sky's rugby league podcast Highlights in his career include winning the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield, while helping lead the club to two Super League Grand Finals in 2021 and 2023. Upon retiring, Garcia will remain at the club he has called home in his new role after completing qualifications in sports management and sports organisation. He said: "I have been thinking about this decision for several years, it has been a difficult one to make, but I wanted to choose the right moment to finish my playing career. "I have spent fourteen years at the Dragons. I've been incredibly fortunate to experience all these moments with my club - the club I supported as a child. "I have had the privilege of enjoying an exceptional career, wearing this jersey for so many years and sharing unforgettable moments with my teammates, our supporters and everyone involved in that club. "I am proud of everything we've achieved and grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, especially my family who have supported me all along my career. "Today, I'm excited to take on a new challenge as a sporting director. It's a role that has always appealed to me, and one I've prepared for by completing the necessary qualifications. I see this opportunity as the natural next step in my career, and I'm looking forward to continuing to help this club grow." Bernard Guasch, Catalans Dragons chairman, added: "Benjamin embodies everything we want this club to stand for. He has dedicated his career to the Dragons with exceptional loyalty and commitment. He has always put the team before himself and has been a role model for everyone who has worked alongside him. "His dedication, professionalism and passion for this jersey have inspired everyone around him. His retirement as a player marks the end of an important chapter in the club's history, but we are delighted that he is beginning a new one with us. "We have had many discussions about the next stage of his career, and we're thrilled that he has chosen to remain with the club. "He will continue to bring his experience and leadership to help us progress both on and off the field in his new role as sporting director, a position that has been vacant since Neil McIlroy's departure. "We would like to thank him for everything he has achieved during his playing career and for everything he will continue to bring to the club in the years ahead." Super League 2026 - upcoming key dates - Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26 - Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20 - Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27 - Grand Final: October 3 Sky Sports will show every game of the Super League live this season, including two matches each round exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports+. [Image text:] RTS NUPER EAGUE Pyre enee PERPIGNAN LA RAYONNANTE B8LOC