Catalans Dragons' star Fouad Yaha reflects on his 'complicated' departure from Perpignan and reveals offers from England
Fouad Yaha, the Catalans Dragons' highest try scorer, has opened up about his exit from the club after over a decade of service. Yaha made his debut in 2015 and scored 108 tries for the Perpignan outfit.
His best year, 2022, saw him score 24 tries in 25 matches, but his life as a Dragon has been far from easy since. After dislocating his shoulder in the 2023 pre-season, he was ruled out for five months and has since been in and out of the squad, with players like Nick Cotric and Tommy Makinson taking his spot.
Yaha has now left Catalans and signed for French side Albi. In a recent interview, he explained his reasons for leaving and how he knew a departure was inevitable at the end of 2025.
Yaha said, 'It's a bit complicated because I've been with the Dragons for a long time. I knew I hadn't played for two seasons, so I was going to take a different path.'
The 29-year-old winger also confirmed he had offers from England to continue in the top flight, but he chose a different path. He explained his decision to join Albi over the UK, saying, 'I talked with Tony [Gigot], and I needed to think. I decided not to go to England and to come to Albi, to enjoy myself, play as much as possible, and give my all.'
Despite the French competition being played over winter, the season culminates in May, with the Grand Final as part of a double header in Paris. Yaha has the option to move to a UK club towards the end of the season if he wishes.
However, Yaha confirmed that his plan for Albi is more than just a stepping stone. He said, 'I feel good here, and I'll spend a few years here. My goal is to play in the World Cup, and I'll consider the Super League, Championship, or Australia after my contract ends this season.'
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