Former Australia hooker Kevin Walters has been appointed as the new coach of French club Catalans Dragons.
Walters is set to join the Perpignan Super League club in October, replacing Mick Potter who will leave for St Helens at the end of the season.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of coaching the Catalans Dragons for the next three seasons," he said.
"It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm excited to be part of one of the newest rugby league clubs in the world."
Walters, who had a brief spell with Warrington in 2001, has plenty of experience in his homeland, making 315 appearances in Australia's National Rugby League.
"After meeting with the club last week I had a great feeling about their passion and vision for the game"
Currently number two with Queensland and a trainer with the Kangaroos, Walters is looking forward to his new challenge.
"After meeting with the club last week, I had a great feeling about their passion and vision for the game, which I found very attractive and complimented my views," he said.
"My family are also very excited to move to the south of France and become part of the local way of life."
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Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch added: "I am very happy to welcome Kevin as our 2009 new head coach.
"We have searched for the last four weeks in England and Australia thanks to David Waite and Kevin appears to be the most suitable candidate to our club.
"He is very motivated and enthusiastic about his new life in south of France and wants to bring his Australian winning culture to the Catalans Dragons."
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