Last updated on .From the section Rugby League

Pat Richards has scored nine tries and 174 points in his debut season with Catalans

Catalans Dragons winger Pat Richards will retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old former Wigan Warriors back was contracted until the end of next year, but has decided to retire at the end of the current campaign.

The Australian-born Ireland international started at Parramatta Eels before switching to West Tigers.

He joined Wigan in 2006 and during his eight-season stay he won the Super League and Grand Final twice, as well as the Man of Steel award in 2010.

"I'm disappointed to see a so great a player, with so much class on and off the field, hanging up his boots," said Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous. external-link

"As a team, it's an extra motivation to finish the season as high as possible to offer him the end he deserves."