Waite to quit RFL post

Former Great Britain coach David Waite has announced he is standing down from his position with the RFL and Catalans Dragons to return to Australia.

Waite currently works in a consultancy capacity for the League and the engage Super League club but will quit at the end of this month to head back Down Under. Since 2005 Waite has carried out a dual consultancy role to oversee the preparation for the Catalan club's inaugural season in Super League.

Waite said: "I have enjoyed my time within British and French Rugby League immensely and I will take so many great memories back to Australia with me."

He added: "When I began working in the UK, I shared the aspiration held by many to instil greater value into international football and promote British playing and coaching talent so that it was in a position to prosper."

Former Kangaroo tourist and Australian Test winger Waite joined the RFL as Technical Director in 2000, following a successful career in Australia's NRL with leading clubs Newcastle Knights and St George-Illawarra.

He became Great Britain head coach and performance director in 2001 and coached the side in Test series against New Zealand and Australia in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

He handed the reigns to Brian Noble in 2003 but stayed in his position of performance director.

Waite will return home to Australia where he initially plans to take a holiday.