Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Diego Domínguez is out as head coach of Toulon. The Córdoba native has been replaced by his assistant Mike Ford with immediate effect. Ford had joined the team as backs coach just four weeks ago after being let go by Bath prior to the season. He replaces Domínguez, who was in charge for only 10 games after being groomed for several months to move up to the role after an apprenticeship under Bernard Laporte.
Toulon’s enigmatic president Mourad Boudjellal made the announcement a brief one.
“I have decided to entrust the helm of the first team to Mike Ford. He has accepted this mission. I will not comment on the reasons for my decision.”
Despite a rocky start to their campaign the three-time European champions sit in 4th place on the Top 14 log and trail league leaders Clermont Auvergne by only five points. A first round defeat to defending champions Saracens at home was deemed to have been unacceptable, and though Toulon rebounded with a win over Sale on Friday, Boudjellal has decided that the team’s performances under Domínguez were not to his satisfaction.
Often referred to as the ‘Galacticos’, Toulon feature a playing roster laden with some of the world’s most prominent internationals. Among the household names like Bryan Habana, Ma’a Nonu, and Guilhem Guirado are three Americas players. US Eagles power forward Samu Manoa, former Pumas captain Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, and HSBC Sevens Series star Axel Müller are currently employed by the club.
