The Chanticleers' coach steps down amid rumours

NEWS: France’s women’s coach, Thomas Darracq, has stepped down as coach of the national team in what the French Rugby Federation (FFR) calls “for family reasons”.

But rumours have abounded about locker room friction after Darracq, 45, guided France to third place in the World Cup in New Zealand last month.

Darracq took over the role as head coach from Annick Hayraud at the end of May after the Women’s Six Nations Tournament.

The position will taken up by his assistants, David Ortiz and Gaelle Mignot.

“The FFR has taken note of the decision of its coach Thomas Darracq to leave his position with the France women’s XV for family reasons,” the federation said in a press release.

After the World Cup, full-back Jessy Tremouliere, who was little used during the tournament, complained in an interview of “a lack of respect” from the management.

After the third-place play-off, which saw France beating Canada 36-0, several senior players reported friction between the squad and the management in New Zealand.

Les Bleues will play the 2023 Six Nations from March 26 to April 29.