Thibault Giroud leaves Bordeaux Begles for Bayonne

He was due to join Bayonne when his contract ended in 2027: his move has been brought forward.

Thibault Giroud had already agreed to join Bayonne at the end of his Bordeaux Begles contract in 2027. The announcement caused tension at the Bordeaux club, and a solution was eventually found to release him early. Bayonne confirmed his signing on Monday: he takes charge of the Basque club’s physical preparation straight away, until the end of the season according to L’Equipe.

A familiar name from the France set-up

A strength and conditioning coach in Fabien Galthie’s France staff, Giroud later joined Yannick Bru at Bordeaux Begles, the two-time reigning European champions.

Bayonne in the hunt

Bayonne, fifth in the Top 14 with four wins from six rounds, also opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a 29-27 win over the Cheetahs. Bordeaux Begles, third in the league, were held 36-36 at Gloucester in the Champions Cup.