Imagine dedicating over a decade of your life to a club, becoming their all-time leading try scorer, only to find yourself on the sidelines, watching others take your place. This is the bittersweet reality Fouad Yaha faced at Catalans Dragons. The former winger, who lit up the field with 108 tries since his 2015 debut, recently opened up about his 'complicated' exit from the Perpignan-based club. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Yaha didn't just walk away—he turned down offers from England to join French side Albi. Why? Let’s dive in.
Yaha’s 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular, with 24 tries in 25 matches. But fate had other plans. A dislocated shoulder in the 2023 pre-season sidelined him for five months, and his return was marked by inconsistent appearances as players like Nick Cotric and Tommy Makinson stepped into the spotlight. In a candid interview with Albi’s social channels (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9zDENzoWpo), Yaha reflected on his departure, admitting it was inevitable by the end of 2025. ‘It’s a bit complicated,’ he said, ‘because I spent so many seasons at the Dragons. But as a player, you crave the field, the joy of the game. The last two seasons, that wasn’t happening. I knew I needed a change.’
And this is the part most people miss: Yaha’s decision to join Albi wasn’t just about playing time—it was about finding joy again. Despite offers from England’s top flight, he chose Albi after conversations with former teammate Tony Gigot, now a coach. ‘I needed to think,’ Yaha explained. ‘I decided to stay in France, enjoy the game, and give it my all. Even if Albi rains a bit more than Perpignan, the climate beats England any day.’*
Here’s the twist: While Albi is his focus now, Yaha isn’t ruling out a future move. The French season ends in May, with the Grand Final part of a double header alongside Catalans and Wigan’s Super League match in Paris. This leaves the door open for a UK or even Australian move later in the year. ‘I feel good here,’ he said. ‘But my goal is the World Cup. After Albi, I could see myself in the Super League, Championship, or Australia—if I’m selected.’
Controversial question: Did Yaha make the right call choosing Albi over England? Some might argue he’s sacrificing top-tier competition for comfort, while others see it as a smart move to reignite his passion. What do you think? Is this a stepping stone or a new chapter? Let’s debate in the comments!
For more rugby league insights, check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEg5OR1XRo).
