McKenzie named new Stade Francais coach - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

McKenzie named new Stade Francais coach

20/06/2008 02:06:17 PM Comments (0)

Australia's 1991 World Cup winner Ewen McKenzie will be the new Stade Francais coach for next season as a replacement to Fabien Galthie, the reigning French champions said.

Earlier reports suggested that the 42-year-old - Australia's most-capped prop - might bring his own staff with him, but the Paris club's chairman indicated otherwise.

"The press has said that he would come with his team but no, he is coming alone," Max Guazzini told AFP.

McKenzie would work with the current forwards coach Fabrice Landreau, said Guazzini, adding that he could also envisage bringing in a centres coach.

"We have seen lots of quality trainers, but I will not say who," Guazzini said.

"The fact that McKenzie lived for two years in Paris (he joined the Paris University Club for two years in 1982) and he speaks relatively good French was an important factor.

"We tried to find a coach who best corresponds to our group of players."

McKenzie - who has 51 international caps - was assistant coach of the ACT Brumbies for three years and of the 1999 Australia World Cup-winning team.

Since 2004 he has been coach to NSW Waratahs, who reached the Super 14 final this season, but in March the club refused to renew his contract.

The Australian visited the Paris club's ground and facilities in April, shortly before Galthie announced he was leaving at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old Galthie, who had played 64 times for France, joined Stade Francais in 2004, taking over from South African Nick Mallett.

Stade Francais have been ever present at the top of the French rugby for the last ten years, having won the Top 14 championship on five occasions, the last time in 2007 under the guidance of Galthie.

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