Former Brisbane Broncos and Australia hooker Kevin Walters has been appointed head coach of French club Catalans Dragons.

But Walters decision to take the high-profile job will mean he will probably have to sacrifice the chance to play a backroom role with the Kangaroos in this year's rugby league World Cup.

Walters, who signed a three-year contract, is due to begin his new role with the Perpignan Super League Club in October when Mick Potter switches to St Helens in England.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of coaching the Catalans Dragons for the next three seasons," Walters said in a statement.

"It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm excited to be part of one of the newest rugby league clubs in the world.

"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.

"My family are also very excited to move to the south of France and become part of the local way of life."

Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch said he was thrilled to have the Australian joining the French side.

"We have searched for the last four weeks in England and Australia ... and Kevin appears to be the most suitable candidate to our club," he said.

"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."

Walters, who coaches Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup and was part of Queensland's coaching team for the State of Origin, travelled to France earlier this month for talks with Les Catalans officials.

When he makes the move to France Walters will work with former Canberra centre Adam Mogg, one of the Super League's most outstanding players this season.

The 40-year-old father-of-five made 315 appearances in the NRL, 22 State of Origin appearances and won two Premiership titles with the Broncos.

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