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Portugal statement: New boss resigns after a month in charge

Line Up of Portugal seen during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Fiji and Portugal at Stadium de Toulouse on October 08, 2023 in Toulouse, France. (Photo by Sylvain Dionisio ATPImages/Getty Images)

The Portugal Rugby Federation have accepted the resignation of head coach Sebastien Bertrank just a matter of weeks after replacing Patrice Lagisquet after the World Cup.

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Bertrank has left the role with immediate effect, citing logistical complications while trying to balance a role with the French Ministry of Sport.

This is not an ideal start to life after a successful World Cup for Os Lobos, where they registered their first ever tournament win against Fiji, as well as a draw against Georgia.

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A Portugal statement reads: “The Portuguese Rugby Federation and Mr. Sebastien Bertrank, National Rugby Coach, hereby publicly announce that, for strictly professional reasons and at his own request, they have agreed to terminate the contractual relationship between them, with immediate effect.

“The significant increase in the workload and the many requests that the XV National Team has received after the excellent performance in the Rugby World Cup, with the planned holding of several international matches and the corresponding weeks of preparation, would mean that Mr. Bertrank would travel more regularly and stay longer in Portugal, which would lead to the termination of his professional relationship with the French Ministry of Sport, a situation which he seeks to avoid.

“Aware of the fact, the Portuguese Rugby Federation, regretting that it could no longer count on the National Coach, accepted his resignation from the position and wishes Mr. Sebastien Bertrank the greatest personal and professional success.”

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H
Hellhound 5 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

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