Franck Azéma, ex-coach of Clermont (2014-2021), was appointed manager of Toulon, as mentioned in our columns on Tuesday, announced this Thursday the Var club of Top 14, replacing Patrice Collazo, sacked two days earlier . Aged 50, Azéma, champion of France with Clermont in 2017, was still under contract for two years at ASM, but he preferred at the end of last season to close his chapter in Auvergne, eleven years long, started as deputy of Vern Cotter, and continued as a head coach from 2014.
He imagined bouncing back in Montpellier, but the track was unsuccessful. It was also announced on the side of the new Fijian franchise, the Fidjian Drua, who joined Super Rugby this season. Previously coach of Usap (2006-2010), the consultant for Canal + intervened, since this summer, occasionally with the Catalan Dragons (Rugby à XIII). “I am very proud to join RC Toulon, emblematic club of French and European rugby, reacted Azéma in a press release. The opportunity to direct one’s sporting future represents a great challenge to take up. I look forward to returning to the pitch and sharing my experience with the players and staff, with the aim of achieving positive results for the club very quickly. ”
The RCT announced Tuesday to have separated from Patrice Collazo “by mutual agreement”, a few days after a heavy defeat in front of La Rochelle (39-6). After eight days of Top 14, Toulon occupies only 13th place in the jump-off (2 wins, a draw and 5 defeats) with 2 units ahead of the red lantern Perpignan. Patrice Collazo (47) had been the coach of the RCT since 2018. After finishing 8th in 2019, then 4th before the end of the championships due to the health crisis in 2020, Toulon had finished 9th in the Top 14 in June 2021. L ‘ex-pillar, 47, finally left the club with a balance sheet just in balance, in all competitions: 46 wins, 42 losses and 3 draws.
The assumption of duty of Azéma, presented this Thursday at the beginning of the afternoon to the players, is immediate, but it is an assistant of Collazo, James Coughlan, in charge of the defense, who must take care of the preparation. of the match of the 9th day of the Top 14 against Biarritz on Saturday at the Mayol stadium.
