Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Matty Smith on a two-year contract.

The former England international and St Helens scrum-half, 31, is the second recruit of Steve McNamara for 2019.

Matty Smith said: “I’m extremely excited to have signed for the Catalans Dragons. After listening to Steve McNamara, hearing his plans and the club’s ambitions for the future, I felt it was an offer too good to ignore.”

“From a rugby point of view, this is such an exciting time in the Catalans Dragons history. They are a side I have admired for years and I will be a privilege to be a part of the club. I have always played with passion and wanted to win trophies above anything else and believe I can do that with Catalans.”

“Finally, my young family and I want to embrace the lifestyle and experience of living in the South of France. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to get out there!”

The Grand Final winning International scrum-half has more than 270 top flight games to his credit and a plethora of honours. He has won two Grand Finals and was named Lance Todd winner in the Warriors’ 2013 Challenge Cup win.

Smith, who joined his home town club St Helens from their academy in 2006, had loans with Widnes and Celtic Crusaders before joining Salford in 2010, initially on loan. He then moved to Wigan in 2012, winning the double with the Warriors in 2013, before returning to Saints in 2017.

He has also played four times for England – in the 2014 Four Nations and 2015 Test Match series against New Zealand – and been named in the Dream Team twice in 2013 and 2014.

In his career, he scored 46 tries and 847 points in 277 Super League games with St Helens, Wigan, Salford and the Crusaders.

Catalans Dragons headcoach Steve McNamara said: “Having worked with Matty at international level, I am confident of him adding a wealth of big game experience and leadership to our group. I fully understand and appreciate the organizational and controlling qualities that he will bring to the Catalans Dragons.”

Matty Smith profile

Date of Birth : 23 July, 1987

Height : 176 cm

Weight : 85 kg

Position : Scrum-half

Previous Clubs : St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Salford Red Devils, Widnes Vikings, Celtic Crusaders

Debut : Huddersfield v St Helens, March 12, 2006

Club Stats : St Helens (2006-08, 2010, 2017-18) : 49 appearances, 5 tries, 44 points | Widnes Vikings (2008) : 9 appearances, 3 tries, 12 points | Celtic Crusaders (2009) : 16 appearances, 3 tries, 17 points | Salford Red Devils (2010-12) : 76 appearances, 14 tries, 71 points | Wigan Warriors (2012-16) : 136 appearances, 24 tries, 715 points |

Rep. Honours : England : 4 appearances | England Kignts : 2 appearances, 1 try, 14 points

Honours :

Super League Winner: 2013,2016

Challenge Cup Winner: 2013

League Leader’s Shield Winner: 2018

Lance Todd Trophy : 2013

Super League Dream Team: 2013,2014

