Bernard Guasch (65), the president of the Catalan Dragons, speaks as his players begin their fourth week of preparation. 74 days before the opening of the Super League season, the manager is working with his teams behind the scenes to prepare for the next season, but also for 2026 when the Dragons plan to play in Paris. Large format interview with the president of the Dracs.
How do you summarize the first three weeks of training?
I will answer you very frankly: I only went to one training session, in Cabestany, where I spent half an hour. Because I know things have been going very well for a month. I see a few players from time to time and Neil McIlroy (sports director) reports to me what's going on. So I know that things are going very well and that the arrival of the Sydney Roosters fitness trainer (Ryan Whitley) is a chance for us.
Are you already measuring it?
Obviously. From what I understand and what I have heard over the past month, it has been a long, long time since we have experienced preparation like this. So, there is no need for me to waste time going to watch training. I have something else to do that is much more important and above all essential for the future of the club.
Are you talking about partner renewals?
Today, given the very bad end to the season that we experienced, the work consists of meeting old and new partners to comfort them and explain to them that seasons like last year can occur. It happens to all big clubs. And then there is the need to find new partners, because we need them every year. So this is where my place is today, supporting Christophe Levy and his entire sales team to achieve great sporting and economic performance.
Have you signed any new partnerships for 2025?
We find new partners every year. But, this year, with the arrival of Sébastien Munoz (general manager since September 1), with whom I am in contact every day, and thanks to the relationships or contacts he may have, it is perhaps a new wave of partners that will arrive. We have two and a half months of work left to finish and consolidate the budget.
A budget of private partners which amounts to 4 million?
No, it's 5 million, like last year. This season, why not reach 6 million in the department, which would be a huge feat achieved by our teams. I remind you that we always go behind the USAP, since they start their season in July or August. It's very complicated and you have to be extra vigilant with old partners while looking for new ones.
“The Dragons Catalans name and brand are well established”
So sports results have a direct impact on finances and your partners?
Already, there is a shortfall of 500,000 euros if we do not go to the end like in 2021 and 2023. But I am confident, I think that last season is forgotten among the partners. They know that the years follow each other and are not the same. But I think that the Dragons Catalans name and brand are well established. It is anchored more and more in the microcosm and in the Catalan territory. In any case, this is what emerges from the field. Everyone is aware of the effort we have made in terms of recruitment. Subscribers, partners and leaders are really enthusiastic, and it's good to hear and see it. These people want us to win. I am very surprised and very attached to these people who want to become new partners.
The emphasis was once again placed on training this summer. But will you finally reap the rewards one day?
It has to be. We are making great efforts at this level, and the results prove it, thanks to the work of Rémi Casty, Julien Touxagas and Justin Murphy. This also involves the Campus des Dragons, which is in its fourth year in Cabestany. We are the only ones to allow young people to follow their high school curriculum while practicing their sport in the afternoon. We are starting to reap the benefits, with Giovanni Descalzi, who passed his Baccalaureate and continues his performances in Elite. We invest a lot of money in training young people because our survival depends on that.
Since the resumption of training (November 11), you have moved from one stadium to another every week…
In previous years it was the same, except we haven't had such a drought in recent years. So the grounds were pretty much okay and suitable. We had no problem going to train in Estagel, Saint-Nazaire, Ille, Toulouges, Canet or Cabestany. This year, it's more complicated and that posed a real problem. But I would like to take this opportunity to thank all these municipalities who called us as soon as they learned that we did not have a training ground, to offer us their help. Afterwards, indeed, when the physical trainers inspected the pitches, the conditions were not always optimal.
Where are the discussions regarding the start of work on the new stand at the Gilbert-Brutus stadium?
We are still awaiting a positive response from the Region, which will allow the work to start as quickly as possible. The call for tenders has been launched and voted on, but now the Region must validate the finances and come to an agreement with the City of Perpignan. We are just waiting for that, and I hope that Carole Delga, the president of the Region, will quickly reach an agreement with the mayor of Perpignan so that the work is carried out without delay.
Is the possibility of starting the demolition of the Guasch-Laborde stand next summer still on the table?
Yes. The three meetings in September are scheduled outside. We will therefore be able to demolish the stand at the end of August. If we ever have to play a playoff match at home, we will do it at Aimé-Giral or Béziers.
And in 2026, will it be necessary to relocate several meetings?
We are thinking about it and working on it, but there will be a few matches at Brutus with 8,000 spectators. We will relocate some of our big meetings. Furthermore, a nice surprise is planned for 2025, with the celebration of the 20 years of existence of the Dragons.
“It would be a great event to play a Super League match in Paris”
You've been talking about a match in Paris for years. The conditions finally seem to be met…
We were in Paris last week to meet partners, communities and visit Jean-Bouin. It would be a great event to play a Super League match in Paris, and we must finalize the file. The Super League is following the project carefully.
Aren't you tired of these 20 seasons at the head of the club?
I'm tired, yes. But when you love what you do, you never get tired of it. We have bouts of blues but it doesn't tire me. Furthermore, the arrival of Sébastien Munoz is beneficial. It’s an opportunity for the club and for Rugby union. I know his value and he is investing 250% today to move things forward as best as possible.
Have you managed to surround yourself with new leaders as you have been saying for years?
We are working there with Sébastien Munoz to try, in the next six months, to form a group of young managers capable of bringing new ideas. I need a team of young business leaders to support us and, little by little, hand over the reins to them.
Will the Dragons still be on TV in 2025?
I know that it is signed with the Catalan channel Esport 3. This is good news, and IMG is still in negotiations with the channel L'Équipe. But there is no money for rugby league. We must dedicate ourselves, and I salute all the efforts made by the English FA to support us for 19 years. It is now up to us to return the favor, in particular by covering the travel of the English teams (500,000 euros). Today, it is not up to us to resolve television problems as in the past, by paying production costs. There is not even a small envelope from any French television. It's a complicated situation.
