Stade Toulousain

[francoisfou]

Stade Toulousain are now 12th in the Top14!! This will be the first time in 41 years I believe that they will have failed to finish in the top 4!
Not only that, but they won't be playing in the European Cup next season - and will be travelling to faraway clubs in Romania and Russia for example!!
How much of the blame lies with Ugo Mola, the current coach, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and William Servat? A big slice for sure, but it must be said that the rot had set in during the end of Guy Novès' tenure. Club president Bouscatel doesn't come out exactly smelling of roses either, so the axe has to be wielded and a new coaching staff must be found very soon.

[Hollognois]

I've read that they are in need of some cash either and admit that 'some' is not the right word.

[francoisfou]

Indeed! A few million euros is needed to refloat the Toulouse boat, but the imminent departure of McAllister and the retirement of Thierry Dusautoir will go some way to helping!!

[Hollognois]

However they'll be in need of some guys to replace McAllister and Dusautoir. The current group is hardly good enough to get better results next season. The other clubs won't wait but buy whom ever they can get, if he's world class.

And if you want to get rid of the actual coaching staff either it doesn't sound like saving some money.

I've never been a supporter of Stade toulousain but I wouldn't like to see them in ProD2 ..

[Adder]

Une fusion Toulouse Castres envisagee??

[francoisfou]

Une fusion Toulouse Castres envisagee??

Salut Adder! A mon avis, une fusion est peu probable.

Ne m'en parle pas pour le moment parce que demain les deux èquipes se retrouvent à Castres en Top14!!

[francoisfou]

Castres 52 -7 Toulouse!!!

Ermmm.... non, pas de fusion. Les castrais ne la voudront pas!!

[francoisfou]

Elissalde is said to be packing his bags!!

[rowan]

[francoisfou]

It was great that his team finished with a victory, albeit over already relegated Bayonne! But a win's a win and the best way to bow out of rugby.
There won't be another like him!

[rowan]

Pretty much the only recollection I have of the guy was his captain courageous effort in the near miss against the All Blacks in the 2011 RWC final. A real warrior!

[rowan]

Emile Ntamack is the new general manager: https://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites ... ain/817350

[Hollognois]

The guys in your link have written the following :

Emile Ntamack occupera le poste de manager général de la formation.

That's not the new general manager of stade toulousain ..

[rowan]

What does it mean then?

[Hollognois]

He's the general manager of the training facility for the young ones of stade toulousain. Those who are very promissing and who'll never been seen on the game sheet of a pro game because the clubs have got enough foreigners to fill these sheets ..


edit : the english clubs call it "Rugby Academy" ..

[rowan]

Thanks for the clarification. Must be good to have him aboard anyway!

[rowan]

[rowan]

I realise there is a subtle difference between Toulouse & Toulon, but thought I'd dump this one here anyway, since there isn't a Toulon thread handy:

Reports emerging this morning from France suggest that Toulon could be about to lose a number of key players, including powerful backrower Duane Vermeulen.

However, the French giants have already got a replacement in their sights with New Zealand flanker Jerome Kaino in talks to join the club from the Auckland Blues – according to French rugby outlet Rugbyrama.

With the new salary cap in place in the Top14, Toulon look set to announce the departure of Vermeulen along with Ma’a Nonu and Marcel Van der Merwe.

It is believed that Vermeulen’s Springboks ambitions are also playing a large role in his departure, and it is believed he will rejoin the Stormers on a dual contract with South Africa Rugby. He has also been tipped to lead the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus.

[paddy no 11]

Fcuking amazing win. Hope ye win it out

Teddy Thomas just has to be on the French team, he might be the best winger in the world

Dupont.....future world cup winner

[tigran]

Well done Toulouse, they are back to their ways..

Dupont, Thomas, Tauzin, and the other youngs players tonight, they wake up the smiles...

[francoisfou]

Fcuking amazing win. Hope ye win it out

Aye Paddy, me too, although there's the semi-final away to Leinster on the 21st to win, and the defeat in the pool match still weighs heavy.
However, Ulster came mighty close to winning so we have a chance!

[SerjeantWildgoose]

Toulouse getting close to being the flag-bearers of French r*gby of old. Young French lads running the lungs out of an opposition and only bolstered by 6 NFQ in the 23 (And one of them sat the last 60 minutes out). Still can't see them getting past Leinster at the Aviva, though.

[paddy no 11]

Depends largely on loinster getting James Lowe on the pitch, but the goys be favs alright

[paddy no 11]

ST but a fair bit into beating clermont yesterday, trip to dublin might be a step too far but leinster are a fair bit off last year

[francoisfou]

ST but a fair bit into beating clermont yesterday, trip to dublin might be a step too far but leinster are a fair bit off last year

Indeed, it was a crazy match with Toulouse's more or less first team on the pitch.
It is rumoured that Antoine Dupont could start at fly half against the Ladyboys, where he played last week against Clermont. If true, it's a brave decision as it could give Toulouse a real attacking edge with Ntamack in the centre. If Cheslyn Kolbe (what a great name!!) on the wing can get the ball in some space then he'll surely score a try or two. I've got just that bit of optimism that we could sneak a win!