FORMER IRELAND DEFENCE coach Mike Ford has been named as Toulon’s new boss following the club’s decision to sack Diego Dominguez.
Ford joined the French giants as backs coach at the end of last month to work under Dominguez but the former Italy fly-half has since been dismissed after a disappointing, by Toulon’s high standards, start to the season.
Toulon currently sit in fourth spot in the Top 14, after four wins, one draw and three defeats from their opening eight matches.
Their early-season form in Europe has also been mixed; they are currently second in Pool 3 after beginning their campaign with a 31-23 home defeat to reigning champions Saracens before scoring a 15-5 away win at Sale on Friday night.
Despite that victory, Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal announced today that Ford, the father of England fly-half George, will replace Dominguez as head coach.
Ford worked as Ireland’s defence coach from January 2002 to November 2005, which included the Triple Crown success in 2004, before moving to Saracens to take up a similar role.
He later went on to become defence coach of England’s national team, a spell which saw Brian Ashton’s side reach the World Cup final in 2007.
Ford, 50, was sacked from his head coach role at Bath in May after they finished ninth of the 12 teams in the English Premiership last season.
Dominguez was only appointed in the summer to succeed Bernard Laporte, who guided Toulon to three European Cups and a French title in a remarkable five-year spell.
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Can’t help but wonder what if Ferris was still playing that would be a frightening back row.
True. Ferris would be an upgrade on Stander
Two bulldozers! Only one more sleep lads
Can’t wait to see them 3 get stuck in and cause complete mayhem
CJ and SOB are gona tear the frogs a new arsehole
When u think o mahony and Henderson has to come back into this squad,and Wat they both bring to De table,and with the quality ireland have right across all back positions now,and De quality coming through,irish rugby is definitely, at international level,in a great place..
Shame that knob jockey pape won’t be playing. We won’t get to see Seanie give him a cuddle!
Thought ruddock was on bench not TOD?
There was some confusion yesterday but it is the TOD.
It shows the quality we have in the back row when Ruddock can’t get in the 23.
Or when POM isn’t missed. (Tactically, personally we still miss him)
Disagree with that, I am biased against Munster and despite that I think he is arguably Ireland’s best forward – he is always immense when he plays for Ireland – I don’t think Stander, Henry or O’Donnell can match him
I’m a huge POM fan and really think he adds something extra. But if we lose we won’t be saying “of only Peter had been playing”. His replacement doesn’t fall THAT far short.
Just consider for a moment Henderson playing at 6 along with Stander at 8 and O’Brien at 7.
That would be the dream combination
Just need to find pace on the Inge and power in the second row and then we have a team to be feared
I’d have Henderson at second row. Completely fills the position but the advantage of another back row in the loose.
You’d sort of be missing Heaslip at 8 there, lad
Can’t wait for an ireland win..