Yannick Bru joins the South African franchise from Durban

Yannick Bru, former assistant coach of the XV of France, has signed up with the Sharks, the South African rugby franchise announced on Sunday. “We are happy to confirm the appointment of Yannick Bru as rucks coach for European competitions”, explained the formation based in Durban. Stating that he had signed for one season, “with possibility of renewal».

This will be the first experience in a club in the southern hemisphere of the former international hooker (18 selections). Yannick Bru, 49, was notably an assistant in Toulouse (2007-2012) then in the France team (2012-2017) before becoming head coach in Bayonne (2018-2022). He thus allowed the Basque club, champion of Pro D2 last season, to find the Top 14.

Against UBB in the Champions Cup

As a player, Bru won the French championship in 1999 and 2001 and then the European Cup in 2003 and 2005 with Toulouse. He also played in the 2003 World Cup and won the Grand Slam in 2002 and 2004 with the Blues.

Next season, the Sharks will contest the Champions Cup for the first time, having finished 5th in the United Rugby Championship, the championship of the provinces of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and, since last season, South Africa. The draw designated Bordeaux-Bègles as one of the opponents of the Durban franchise.