Tomkins signs deal with Catalans for 2025 season

Sam Tomkins captained England at the most recent Rugby League World Cup, played in 2022

Ex-England captain Sam Tomkins has signed a contract to remain with Catalans Dragons for the 2025 season.

The 35-year-old ended his playing career at the end of 2023, but came out of retirement in July to appear for the Dragons in the latter part of this season.

The French club missed out on a play-off spot, eventually finishing seventh in Super League.

Working on the Super League play-off semi-final between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves as a pundit for Sky Sports, Tomkins said: "I've decided to go round again and I'm really excited because I'm a competitor, I want to play on the big stage and nights like this are exactly the reason I want to go round again."

In a club statement, he said his decision to retire at the end of 2023 had given his body "time to heal" and he now felt he was "ready to contribute for a full season".

Dragons coach Steve McNamara added: "After conversations with Sam, I am fully convinced he is mentally and physically ready to be a hugely influential player for us in 2025.

"He will undertake a vigorous pre-season, which I am certain will see him return to his very best form.

"He is a huge asset to our team with his ability and leadership."

Tomkins, who joined Catalans at the start of 2019, won Super League's Man of Steel award in 2012 during the first of his two spells with Wigan Warriors and again in 2021 with the Dragons.

He was on the winning side in three Super League Grand Finals, all with Wigan, while he has been on the losing side at Old Trafford with Catalans in 2021 and 2023.

At international level, he captained England at the most recent Rugby League World Cup in 2022, with Shaun Wane's side exiting at the semi-final stage.