Philippe Saint-André extends his Provence Rugby stay by two seasons

Unbeaten in Pro D2, the club is chasing the first promotion to the Top 14 in its history.

Appointed in 2025 to replace Mauricio Reggiardo, Philippe Saint-André, 59, is staying on in Aix-en-Provence. “We have been working together for fourteen months, laying the foundations of a top-level club,” the former France head coach said in the club’s statement.

Eight wins from eight

Club president Denis Philipon welcomed the decision, with his coach having been linked with the Fiji job: “Philippe had a choice, and he chose Provence. To me, that is worth more than any contract.” A former Toulon and Montpellier coach who led France from 2011 to 2015, Saint-André took Provence to the Pro D2 final last season, lost to Vannes (18-14), before defeat in the promotion play-off against Perpignan (47-24).

This season, Provence have won all eight of their Pro D2 matches, the first side to open a campaign that way since Pau in 2014-15. They are still second, behind Oyonnax on bonus points. Provence travel to Dax on Thursday 29 October, then host Oyonnax on 6 November.