Brunel to replace Noves as French rugby coach
paris — France rugby coach Guy Noves has been fired two years after taking the job and replaced by Jacques Brunel.
French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte announced the decision at a news conference on Wednesday.
“These are painful moments, it’s difficult for me too,” Laporte said. “Guy Noves was no longer the right man for the situation.”
Brunel coached Italy from 2012-16 and coached the France forwards as an assistant coach from 2001-07. During that period, France won the Six Nations four times — including the Grand Slam in 2004. As a club coach, Brunel guided Perpignan to the French title in 2009.
“I’ve known him for a long time. I know his professionalism, his commitment, his passion,” Laporte said. “He understands the international level. He has experience, he has broad shoulders.”
Last month, Laporte gave
These are painful moments, it’s difficult for me too
Bernard Laporte
Noves a tough challenge to win three of the four November tests. France lost twice to New Zealand and once to South Africa. It almost became four defeats as Japan was a missed conversion from beating France for the first time in a 23-23 draw.
“We sensed that he was on the downward slope, we want to get back to the France team that wins,” Laporte said. “The decision was taken recently. I didn’t take it alone, we consulted everyone.”
Noves had been showing signs of strain under mounting pressure.
After the 18-17 loss to South Africa, he reacted with an equal measure of anger and sarcasm when asked if he was worried for his future. —