Former Catalans Dragons winger Fouad Yaha has opened up on the proceedings that led to his exit from the club, after over a decade of service.
Yaha, who is Catalans’ highest ever try scorer, made his debut in 2015, and went on to score 108 times for the Perpignan outfit.
His best year, 2022, saw him cross 24 times in 25 matches, but since that campaign his life as a Dragon was far from easy.
After dislocating his shoulder in the pre-season of 2023, he was ruled out for five months, and since then has been in and out of the squad, with the likes of Nick Cotric and Tommy Makinson taking his spot.
He has now left Catalans and has signed for French side Albi, and in a recent interview with the club’s social channels, Yaha explained the reasons for his exit, and how he knew a departure was inevitable at the end of 2025.
Translated from French, he said: “It’s a bit complicated because I did a lot of seasons at the Dragons. In any case, it was a path I was going to take because I hadn’t played for two seasons.
“When you’re a player, you want to play, you take pleasure. These last two seasons, it wasn’t what was happening. So, I was also going to take a different path.”
Former Catalans Dragons star reveals he rejected England move
The 29-year-old winger also confirmed he had offers from England to continue in the top flight, but he thought that his chosen career move is best for him.
Explaining why he chose Albi over the UK, he said: “I was talking with a few players there are lots of players who have been through here. Then Tony [Gigot], since he was becoming coach, we talked and I needed to think. I also had him on the phone several times and then I made, I made a decision not to go to England and to come and do a season here, to enjoy myself, play as much as possible and give my all.
“Even if it rains a little more in Albi than in Perpignan, the climate is still better than in England.”
Of course, with the French competition being played over winter, the season will culminate in May, with the Grand Final being played as part of a double header alongside Catalans and Wigan’s Super League match in Paris. That leaves Yaha the option of moving to a UK club towards the end of the season, should he wish to do so.
However, whilst he still has aspirations in the sport, the winger confirmed that, at the moment, his plan is for Albi to be more than just a stepping stone in his career. However, if a move to the UK, or Australia, came about, he would be interested in that proposition.
“I feel good here. There will be no reason for me not to spend a few years here. After that, I have the goal of playing in the World Cup. I think that once I finish my contract at the end of the season. I could go to the Super League or the Championship or Australia to play and to be able to play in the World Cup. Of course, if I am selected,” said Yaha.
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