Ghezal axed as Stade Francais coach

NEWS: Karim Ghezal has been axed as head coach of Stade Francais, paying for his team’s poor start to the Top 14 season, the French club announced.

“Following a decision by the sports management, it was decided to carry out a reorganisation of the sports staff,” which led to the “end” of the collaboration with Ghezal, the club said in a statement.

With three defeats in four matches, including one at home against Toulon on September 22 by 10-14 and Saturday’s second-half collapse in a 16-30 loss to Pau, Stade Francais are second last in the Top 14 table, only ahead of promoted Vannes.

Ghezal, 43, had previously been on the coaching staff of the French national team.

He joined Stade Francais in October 2023 after the World Cup along with Laurent Labit, who had also been with the national team setup and was appointed to Director of Rugby.

Stade Francais, who won their last Top 14 title in 2015, did not specify how Ghezal’s responsibilities would be reallocated.

The Parisians host struggling Montpellier next weekend.

Montpellier is 10th in the standings, one point ahead of the capital side.