The Catalan club have officially unveiled a complete overhaul of their coaching set-up, with the appointment of Laurent Labit at the head of the management team, joined by Joe Worsley on defence and Nicolas Nadau on attack, in order to breathe in fresh momentum aimed at securing survival in the Top 14.

The rumours were gathering weight by the day. On Monday 3 November, USAP confirmed a sweeping reorganisation of their coaching staff. Laurent Labit, whose name had been circulating insistently, and who has already been a key cog in some major successes (French champion with Castres Olympique in 2013 and Racing 92 in 2016, France assistant coach during Galthié’s first term), is entrusted with steering this new structure.

Alongside him, Mathieu Cidre remains forwards coach, while Nicolas Mas keeps responsibility for the scrum. Two new faces join the team: Joe Worsley, a former England international with 78 caps and a 2003 world champion, takes charge of defence. Nicolas Nadau, for his part, joins the coaching set-up to run the attack and the backs. Jacques-Louis Potgieter keeps his role on the kicking game.

One point picked up, and that’s it…

This reorganisation comes after a chaotic start to the season, with the Catalans having taken just one solitary point (this weekend, at Pau). The stated aim is clear: “To breathe in fresh momentum by bringing energy and expertise, with the objective of keeping the club in the Top 14“. President François Rivière spoke of a “difficult and painful” decision regarding the sidelining of now former manager Franck Azéma, but felt it was essential given recent results.

The statement also announces that this strengthening of the staff will soon be completed by the arrival of one or two players intended to make up for the current injuries.