In turmoil after five defeats in five matches, Perpignan announced on Monday 6 October the departure of two influential members of their coaching staff. David Marty and Gérald Bastide, in charge of attack and defence respectively, asked to step aside “for the good of the team” and their association with the club has been ended “by mutual agreement“.

The storm was rumbling, loudly, very loudly after Usap’s fifth defeat in as many rounds (against Stade Français, 11 – 28). So loudly that a crisis meeting was held around president Rivière on Monday morning, to try to drag the club out of the mire. The upshot is that David Marty and Gérald Bastide, the attack and defence coaches of the Blood and Gold, have stepped aside. The club announced it on Monday via its social media. The decision comes after a catastrophic start to the season: Perpignan are still without a win after five rounds, with five defeats.

According to the club’s statement, “it was decided to bring about (…) the end of the association between the club, David Marty and Gérald Bastide“, after consultation with president François Rivière, the staff and the players. USAP were keen to make clear that the departures are not about designating “scapegoats“, but about triggering a collective realisation.

Despite the tremor, the club say they retain their confidence in the management team. Franck Azéma, general manager, keeps his role and will be supported by Mathieu Cidre and Nicolas Mas in turning things around on the pitch. David Marty, an iconic former player at the club, had joined the staff in 2021 as backs coach. Gérald Bastide had been working on defence and individual technique since 2019.

USAP, bottom of Top 14, travel to Lyon on Saturday for round 6 in absolutely urgent need of a recovery.