After spending two seasons with the Catalans Dragons in Perpignan, England winger Tom Johnstone is departing the club.
Tom Johnstone’s potential return to Wakefield Trinity has taken a significant step forward, as Catalans Dragons have officially announced his departure from the club. The England international has opted not to extend his contract with Catalans beyond the current season, which is set to expire soon.
Johnstone, who enjoyed a successful stint with Catalans, earning accolades such as inclusion in the Super League Dream Team and a nomination for the Man of Steel award, has been strongly linked with a move back to Wakefield Trinity. Having spent his entire career at Wakefield before joining Catalans, the allure of returning to England appears to have been too enticing for Johnstone to resist.
Despite Catalans offering him a marquee contract to stay, Johnstone has made the decision to pursue a return to his former club in Wakefield.
In a statement, Catalans Dragons revealed that Tom Johnstone declined a contract extension with Marquee Player status, despite a substantial salary increase. The club acknowledged that they presented him with both contractual and rugby-related incentives to stay, but ultimately, Johnstone’s desire to return to England with his young family and receive support from relatives outweighed these offers.
Reflecting on his decision to leave, Johnstone expressed gratitude to Steve McNamara for taking a chance on signing him and providing him with opportunities, especially after a challenging period of injuries. He also thanked Matt Parr for his support in keeping him fit and healthy during his time at the club.
Acknowledging the warm reception he received from Bernard Guasch, the Catalans staff, and the fans, Johnstone expressed appreciation for the memorable experiences he had at the club, particularly highlighting the unforgettable atmosphere at the 2023 semi-final match.
Tom Johnstone expressed gratitude for his time in Perpignan, where he and his family embraced the rich Catalan and French culture. However, he emphasized that it’s now time for them to return home to be nearer to their loved ones.
Reflecting on his tenure with Catalans Dragons, Johnstone expressed immense pride in their achievements, particularly in the previous season, despite falling short of their ultimate goal of winning the Grand Final. He pledged to give his all to ensure a successful conclusion to his time at the club, aiming to deliver the championship victory that both the club and the fans deserve.