France Axe Shaun Edwards and South African Coach

France head coach Fabien Galthié is implementing two significant changes to his coaching staff in preparation for the July Nations Championship. These adjustments involve the appointment of new defence and kicking coaches to replace Shaun Edwards and Vlok Cilliers.

Defence Overhaul and Staff Tension

Reports indicate that Shaun Edwards is being pushed out of his role and is very close to leaving the setup. The veteran coach was notably absent from recent staff meetings held in Narbonne, and Montpellier.

While Edwards is contracted through 2028, his employment has reportedly become a real issue as he is no longer universally liked. This tension has led Galthié to seek a new direction for the team’s defensive strategy.

Did You Know? Gérald Bastide, who is stepping in to help with the defence, previously oversaw the team’s defensive efforts between 2015 and 2017 under former head coach Guy Novès.

In the interim, Gérald Bastide will balance his current role with the French women’s team while assisting the men’s side. It remains uncertain if this dual arrangement could be maintained through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Changes to the Kicking Game

Maxime Petitjean, the kicking coach from Toulon, is set to take over from Vlok Cilliers for the upcoming Nations Championship matches. Following these fixtures, Petitjean is expected to return to Pierre Mignoni’s Top 14 coaching team.

The departure of Cilliers comes as a surprise given that France’s tactical kicking was a primary strength during their Six Nations victory. The reasons for his exit have not been explicitly stated.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Galthié is navigating a delicate balance by replacing a successful kicking specialist while simultaneously attempting to fix a defensive unit that has struggled to match that same level of efficiency.

Cilliers, a former Springbok fly-half who previously worked with Galthié at Toulon, is likely to continue working with youth talents in South Africa.

Looking Toward the World Cup

Geoffrey Doumayrou has emerged as Galthié’s favoured candidate for the long-term defence role. The former centre is currently under contract with Montpellier until 2027.

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Montpellier president Mohed Altrad has indicated that while a permanent departure may not be an option, loaning Doumayrou out for a few months could be possible. Doumayrou has already held discussions with Galthié and FFR vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet.

The French national team hopes to have Doumayrou available for the World Cup. This move would follow previous attempts to recruit other coaches, including current Georgia head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan.

Upcoming Schedule

The coaching staff has begun preparations for a friendly match against England A. This will be followed by three critical Nations Championship matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is replacing Vlok Cilliers for the July matches?
Maxime Petitjean, the kicking coach from Toulon, is set to take over for the Nations Championship matches.

Why is Shaun Edwards leaving the coaching staff?
Reports suggest he is being pushed out because he is no longer universally liked, making his continued employment a real issue despite a contract that runs to 2028.

Who is the preferred long-term candidate for the defence coach position?
Geoffrey Doumayrou, the current defence coach at Montpellier, is the favoured candidate.

Do you think a change in defensive leadership is the key to France’s success in the next World Cup?