Scrum half Rory Kockott, who started a coaching career at Castres last season, joined Stade Français as a World Cup joker. “In this position, we identified a need to strengthen ourselves (…) and in case of concern we needed cover for our first three matches”, explained in a press release the Parisian defense coach, Paul Gustard. .
One of Stade Français’ recruits in the scrum, New Zealander Brad Weber, will not be able to come before the end of the World Cup in France (September 8-October 28) and another, Hugo Zabalza, is out for four to six weeks due to injury.
Already four matches played last season in Castres
“Rory was available, competitive and up for the challenge. We are very happy to have him come,” said Gustard. Aged 37, Kockott hung up his crampons in 2022 before joining the management of his lifelong club, Castres Olympique, as a defense coach.
The South African of origin, who has 11 selections for the France team, however, came out of retirement four times last season to make up for the numerous absences as a scrum-half within the CO. He announced in March that he would leave the Tarn club at the end of the season to “take a new direction”.
