Former Great Britain coach David Waite is back on the coaching staff of Catalan Dragons after signing a two-year contract.

The 60-year-old Australian was in charge of the Catalans at the start of their first season in Stobart Super League in 2006, holding the reins in a temporary capacity until the appointment of Mick Potter, and will return to Perpignan as the assistant to new head coach Laurent Frayssinous.

Waite said: “I’ve been involved at the start of the Catalans’ history and I’m excited to come back to the club.

“I’m very happy to work with Laurent. I want to focus on the game and the individual now. I’m back on the field with the players and I’m looking forward to this experience.

“I believe Laurent has the potential to become a great head coach. He has worked really hard for that and I want to help him and the club to achieve the goals and to become more successful.”

Frayssinous, who has succeeded another Australian, Trent Robinson, to become the first French coach of the Super League club, says Waite applied for the job of his assistant.

“To have someone like David Waite on the coaching staff was a great opportunity I could not miss,” he said.

“He has coached the best teams and was one of the best head coaches. His experience and his knowledge of the game will be really valuable.

“To be honest, I was a little bit surprised when he contacted me to apply for the assistant coach job.

“But he wants to focus on the game now, without dealing with all the team management responsibilities and I’m looking forward to work with him.”

Waite started his coaching career in Australia in 1991 at Newcastle Knights before moving on to St George, whom he guided to two Grand Finals, in 1996 and 1999.

He was appointed as the Rugby Football League’s technical director in 2000 and in February 2001 became national coach, a post he held for three years until being succeeded by his assistant, Brian Noble.

Catalan chairman Bernard Guasch said: “David was here when we started in Super League and help us to develop into a professional environment.

“He made a great job when he was here, recruiting Mick Potter and helping Laurent to move into the coaching staff.

“I’m delighted to welcome him back at the club and his experience will be really precious in a so young staff.”