Pat Richards is to retire at end of the Super League season, declaring he wants a coaching role at the club where he won an NRL premiership.

The 34-year-old winger is in the first season of a two-year deal with Catalans Dragons after returning to Super League from NRL club Wests Tigers, but has decided the time is right to end his career.

“I’d love to stay in the game,” Richards said.

“I’ve been playing since I was 11 and it’s given me so much so I’d love to give something back.

“There might be a role at Wests Tigers. I’d like do do some junior development, maybe or do a bit of coaching.”

Richards has racked up more than 3000 points over 16 seasons in the NRL and Super League after starting his career with Parramatta in 2000.

He moved on to Wests Tigers in 2004, where he won the 2005 NRL premiership, and lifted two Super League titles and two Challenge Cups in his glittering career with Wigan.

He was named Super League’s Man of Steel in 2010.

“I’m not getting any younger and I feel it’s the right time to move into the next phase of my career,” Richards said.

“It’s something I’ve thought about for a while. I’ve been very fortunate enough to play a long career and I know the time is right to finish playing.”

Richards has made 21 appearances for the French club, who remain in a challenging position in Super League despite losing their last five matches in all competitions.