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Gonzalo Quesada is to take up a new position at Biarritz. He will move from Stade Français to the Basque club next season, becoming the club’s Sports Director.
The 42-year-old Quesada arrives with Biarritz being very ambitious about returning to be a power in French rugby. The club were French champions in 1935, 1938, 2002, 2005 and 2006. In Europe, Biarritz are two-time Champions Cup Finalists in 2006 and 2010. The club also won the Challenge Cup in 2012.
Quesada coached Stade Français to the Top 14 title in 2015. In doing so he proved critics wrong in turning around a team in quick time. This season the club will play in the Challenge Cup Final and is also on course to return to the Top 14 play-off’s.
As a player Quesada also has a notable history in France. He played for both Stade Français and Toulon. He was also a Puma, earning 38 caps from 1996-2003. These included appearing in Rugby World Cups 1999 and 2003. In the former tournament he was the record point scorer.
Since retirement Quesada has been involved in coaching. Prior to taking the helm of Stade Français in 2013 he coached rivals Racing 92. In 2011-2012 he was the backs coach while in 2012-2013 he was the Head Coach. From 2008-2011 Quesada was assistant coach to the French test team.
Biarritz is fighting for a return to the Top 14. The club is currently in the Pro D2 but is positioned as such to compete in the Semi Finals. The winner of the final is to join Oyonnax in earning promotion to the Top 14.
With one round of the regular season remaining, Biarritz has 77 competition points. This is one more than the 6th placed Colomiers. Biarritz play away to the 3rd placed Mont de Marsan on May 07 while Colomiers are away to Agen. A win would seal Biarritz’ place in the Semi Finals.
Whether or not Quesada will be in charge of a Top 14 or Pro D2 side will be known on May 21. The Pro D2 Final will be played on that date at the Stade Chaban Delmas in Bordeaux.
