Stade Français has found its new head coach. And he didn’t have to look very far, since it was internally that the Parisian club unearthed Karim Ghezal‘s successor: Paul Gustard. Defense coach at the club since 2022, first under Gonzalo Quesada then in the staff of director of rugby Laurent Labit, the former English third row finds a place as head coach that he had known at Harlequins ( 2018-2021) and at Benetton Treviso (2021-2022).
In a press release, Stade Français clarified Paul Gustard’s mission. “Under the responsibility of the director of rugby, his missions will include, among other things, the implementation of rugby and strategy,” we explain. He will determine the method, the organization and will lead the sessions with the coaches and the Performance Director. He will also be responsible for monitoring and developing professional players. » Laurent Labit will take care of the attack.
On September 30, after a failed start to the season, Karim Ghezal was ousted from his position as head coach. At his side for five years, Laurent Labit had justified this decision by “the vagaries of a club” and the need to “not wait to make decisions” when the situation deteriorates. “We had imagined a collaboration and an organization,” he said. It is clear that there were some dysfunctions, some deviations, in certain areas, certain subjects. This is why we decided to stop our collaboration.”
After six Top 14 matches, Stade Français has only two victories, against promoted Vannes and Montpellier. The Parisian club is in a worrying 13th place, synonymous with a relegation barrier. The last match in Lyon, lost 35-3, did not reassure the supporters. However, the season is still very long with twenty matches to play. Paul Gustard therefore has time to infuse his ideas, and to leave his mark on this group lacking confidence.
