The Gers-born manager leaves his post with immediate effect. End of a cycle on the banks of the Nive: the Basque board is banking on an internal jolt to save the season.

A “mutual agreement” after the fortress fell

According to the wording of the official statement, the two parties have decided to end their association “by mutual agreement”. While the club thanks Patat for his commitment over three and a half seasons, sporting reality has taken over. As L’Équipe points out, last Saturday’s defeat to Racing 92 (36-41), the second in a row at home after 19 months unbeaten, sealed the manager’s fate. Bayonne have still not won a single match in 2026.

Gerard Fraser propelled into the hot seat

To bring about the “fresh impetus” the board is hoping for, it is Gerard Fraser who takes the reins of the first team. The New Zealander, until now head of rugby and an attack specialist, moves up just two months after extending his contract until 2030. Twelfth in the championship and off the pace in the race for the play-offs, the Aviron have a lot riding on the game at Clermont on 28 February.