The FFR approached the Biarritz president to assist head coach Philippe Saint-André on a more permanent basis following an underwhelming 18 months in the Test arena. France finished bottom of the Six Nations table in 2013 and while they improved to fourth last season, they lost two matches — Wales away and Ireland at home.
This summer’s tour to Australia turned out to me a disaster, with PSA’s side losing 50-23, 6-0 and 39-13 over the course of three gruelling weekends. The FFR are determined to keep their coach on-board for the 2015 Rugby World Cup but feel he needs help from Blanco.
Union chief Pierre Camou met with Blanco earlier this month and, with Saint-André’s backing, gave him a new job description. Blanco will remain in his role at Biarritz but will step back from the day-to-day handling of affairs. That should mean newly installed coach Eddie O’Sullivan will benefit from greater power and responsibility when it comes to team affairs.
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Blanco told Midi Olympique, “I’m here to help the French team, Philippe and his coaches.” He added that PSA was getting attacked from all corners and that his role would be as an intermediary and sounding board to the coaching staff. Saint-André, he declared, was ‘very happy to be surrounded and supported’.
In a further effort to prepare France in the best way possible for the World Cup, in just over 14 months’ time, Saint-André, his coaching staff and Blanco will identify 30 senior players, who will be spared some Top 14 action with their clubs over the coming season.
Serge Blanco drafted in to assist struggling France boss Philippe Saint-André
THE FRENCH RUGBY union has asked former Les Bleus fullback Serge Blanco to take up a larger role in the running of the national team.
The FFR approached the Biarritz president to assist head coach Philippe Saint-André on a more permanent basis following an underwhelming 18 months in the Test arena. France finished bottom of the Six Nations table in 2013 and while they improved to fourth last season, they lost two matches — Wales away and Ireland at home.
This summer’s tour to Australia turned out to me a disaster, with PSA’s side losing 50-23, 6-0 and 39-13 over the course of three gruelling weekends. The FFR are determined to keep their coach on-board for the 2015 Rugby World Cup but feel he needs help from Blanco.
Union chief Pierre Camou met with Blanco earlier this month and, with Saint-André’s backing, gave him a new job description. Blanco will remain in his role at Biarritz but will step back from the day-to-day handling of affairs. That should mean newly installed coach Eddie O’Sullivan will benefit from greater power and responsibility when it comes to team affairs.
Blanco told Midi Olympique, “I’m here to help the French team, Philippe and his coaches.” He added that PSA was getting attacked from all corners and that his role would be as an intermediary and sounding board to the coaching staff. Saint-André, he declared, was ‘very happy to be surrounded and supported’.
In a further effort to prepare France in the best way possible for the World Cup, in just over 14 months’ time, Saint-André, his coaching staff and Blanco will identify 30 senior players, who will be spared some Top 14 action with their clubs over the coming season.
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Eddie O'Sullivan rescue remedy Rugby Rugby World Cup serge blanco Biarritz France