FRENCH COACH RÉGIS Sonnes has stressed that there was no foundation whatsoever to rumours linking him with a role with Munster, and insisted that he will not be leaving his current roles with Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar School.
The former Bordeaux forwards coach has been in Ireland since a surprise move from the Top 14 last summer, having agreed to bring his family to Bandon to take up a unique dual position with the club and school in the West Cork town.
With Bandon RFC currently in contention towards the top of the Munster Junior League Division 1 table and Bandon Grammar’s senior team – head coached by Denis Collins - into the semi-finals of the Munster Schools Cup, Sonnes’ impact is already being felt.
However, a report in the French media last weekend suggested that former Toulouse and Agen flanker Sonnes would be linking up with Munster as forwards coach, with some Irish publications subsequently aggregating the report.
Speaking on Monday, Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus denied that there was any truth in the story, stating that he had never even spoken to Sonnes.
44-year-old Sonnes, who previously had a stint as head coach of Spain, was similarly taken aback by the reports and says they caused confusion in Bandon.
“I woke up on Sunday morning and my sister was asking what had happened,” said Sonnes in Bandon today. “It was crazy because, first, I never spoke with any person in Munster and I’m not here looking for an opportunity like it.
“Essentially, I’m here in Bandon to start a project and if a professional team called me now I wouldn’t think about going. I have started here now, I’m working hard, we are working hard in the club and school.
“For respect of this club and school, and the players, there’s no sense to go now. I want to do a good job, so I never spoke to Munster. I’m not looking for an opportunity like it. It was difficult for me because it’s a bad message for the club, school and players.
“They thought I was using this place to go after a job. I’m not here for that, so it was difficult for me because I needed to make sure [that was understood] with everyone quickly.
“I’m sorry for Munster too because it’s difficult for them and they might think, ‘What’s happening with this guy?’ It’s really strange.”
Sonnes is in the first season of a two-year deal in Bandon, with an option for a third year.
His role involves head coaching Bandon RFC’s first team and overseeing the rest of the club’s rugby programme, while he is working in a similar developmental position with the ever-improving Bandon Grammar School.
Sonnes, who is highly regarded in France and whom Bordeaux fought hard to keep in the Top 14 beyond last season, is already thinking about a possible fourth year in West Cork, having settled in happily with his family.
You can read a full feature about Régis Sonnes and how the unique partnering between Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar School brought him to Ireland on The42 this Sunday.
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Started 2 months ago myself. Training a few times a week now and feeling great. Found an ab last week…least I hope it’s an ab!
I think the main problem with running as an activity is that ultimately it gets boring for a lot of people, so you end up dropping out and then find it hard to get back to it. I find I get the most out of running when I tie it into some leisure activity like cycling , or hiking so it becomes a means to an end. That being said it is a good all year round activity and it can be as nice going for a run in Jan as in July. And do vary where you run even if it means jumping in a car or running with a friend on the other side of the city. Another one might be to find some forest/hill routes if you are drivable distance from hills/mountains
Podcasts are a good way to beat the Borden ..
@silverharp would be kind of hard for a total amateur to go shell out big money on a proper racing bike with all the gear, especially if they’ve just worked over 40 hours in the week for their 50 euro job bridge allowance… I can see why they would opt for just a pair of runners instead!
@Ashley Rowland lol, I thought the Tory approach was to get on your bike ;-) and where did I mention expensive racing bikes and gear? any sort of bike will get you to Enniskerry or the Sally gap. Lack of imagination will be your biggest problem and keep an eye out for Lidl specials when it comes to gear.
I love to run. It’s relaxing and give you a break from the real world!
Those 5k and 10k races around the country are very good motivation. The Dundalk 10k race got me motivated anyway 3 years ago and in 2012 I managed to run sub-40mins, which I was seriously delighted with.
Unfortunately there was a poor turn out this year for that race, lets hope it picks up again in 2014 :)
If you want motivation to run read “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougal…
Outdoor exercise has really taken off in the last number of years. I think the biggest danger to quitting is when you stop improving your times. However there are a huge amount of events out there now to encourage a person to keep at it and get enjoyment out of it There are 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, triathlons and mixed events taking place throughout the country. There are also many walking and hiking trails and paths/greenways for running or cycling. So there are plenty of new places to see and explore. It is definitely much better than the gym.
Compared to someone Living in London say, Dubliners in particular are spoilt for choice. Poolbeg lighthouse, Bull island or head into the Dublin/Wicklow hills, Crone wood etc. as a goal or just to make a day of it.
Its getting from the couch to the 5k finish line
Rest I’d say mate. No expert but I found that a 5 min walk is not sufficient warm up. Lots of stretching before hand.
On week 2 and think ive pulled my calf mussel very sore. Any advice should I rest or go on as normal
Use a foam roller after a run. you can find very good videos on youtube showing you how to use it.