Advertisement
Paul Gustard admits he is aware of what his fate will be if he cannot spark life into Stade Francais this season.
Gustard began last season as defence coach for the Parisians, but by the end of the Top 14 campaign he was the one picking the team after a season when Stade finished one point above the relegation playoff place.
The first to go was Karin Ghezzal, who was sacked as head coach in October with long-serving director of rugby Laurent Labit given control of team selection.
“COMMITTED AND SUPPORTIVE”
When results didn’t improve owner Hans-Peter intervened and in February he gave Gustard control of the team, with Labit kept on at the club but with no say in team matters.
“I’m not naïve,” Gustard told Midi Olympique. “We’ve been honest with each other. Owner Hans-Peter Wild is committed and supportive.
“He was instrumental in arranging a meeting last June with a select group of players, Thomas (Lombard), Kobus (Potgieter), and myself, to get direct feedback on the club and how we want to move forward together.
“He understands our vision, and we want to make sure we’re constantly aligned with our goals.”
Stade, whose sixth and most recent Top 14 title of the professional era came in 2015, begin the new Top 14 season at home to newly promoted Montauban on 6 September.
“BRIGHT FUTURE”
To add to the sense of chaos last season, the side was badly hit by injuries to the extend that they were only just able to put out a full squad for their final match of the season.
Gustard has been able to strengthen his side with prop Thierry Paiva and former New Zealand scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow the big signings of the summer.
“In the last match against Castres, we only had 23 able-bodied professional players to choose from,” Gustard said.
“We have no doubts about the players or their abilities. We are convinced that together, we can build a bright future on solid foundations and have a lot of fun. They have been very committed and very good.”