Pau effectively sack their head coaches mid-season

Pau have become the second French club to sack their head coaches mid-season in as many months after a string of losses in the Top 14.

The club have not technically parted ways with Nicolas Godignon and Frédéric Manca, rather, they will ‘take a step back’ from the team. Thomas Domingo, Geoffrey Lanne-Petit and Paul Tito will take over the preparation of the team as they prepare to face Worcester Warriors in the Challenge Cup.

Pau lost 13 – 17 to Castres at home, prompting the effective sacking of the pair.

Simon Zebo calls out World Rugby:

Simon Zebo calls out World Rugby:

In a statement, the club said: “Following the defeat against Castres Olympique last Sunday, the Section decided to reorganize its sports staff.

“Co-managers Nicolas Godignon and Frédéric Manca take a step back and will not participate in the preparation of the matches.

“The preparation and supervision of Saturday’s Section-Worcester Challenge Cup match will be provided by the trio of coaches Thomas Domingo, Geoffrey Lanne-Petit and Paul Tito.

“No other comments will be made on the subject by the club and its players for the moment, it is time to mobilize around the athlete to find a positive dynamic.”

The club had made a decent start to the season, with three wins and a draw from their first five games. Pau are the latest French club to take the measure this season, with Agen sacking their coaching ticket.

Manager Christophe Laussucq and forwards coach Rémi Vaquin were sacked, seemingly at the behest of club president Jean-François Fonteneau after they fell to a humiliating 5-71 defeat. It was the seventh loss in a row for the club.