Scrum.com : Lagisquet future in doubt

Lagisquet side has lacked intensity this season

Lagisquet future in doubt

4 May 2008, 2:52 pm

By Scrum.com

Patrice Lagisquet's future as coach of French top 14 side Biarritz is in serious doubt following yet another loss by his side on the weekend.

After spending a decade at the famous Basque club, Lagisquet has admitted that the stresses of coaching one of his countries biggest clubs is starting to take its toll on him.

Biarritz have failed to impress this season and following their latest 16-3 defeat to Perpignan, the giants of French rugby have slipped to a lowly fifth position and are in serious danger of missing the end of season semi-finals.

Lagisquet, a former French international has revealed that he will be discussing his future during the course of this week with club's directors.

The news came as no suprise as Lagisquet has recently admitted he is "worn out" and has strongly hinted at the fact that he is ready to pass over the reins at the end of this season.

"As much as I think this is not the end of the cycle for this squad, which has evolved well since 2006, I do think that for me and my role around this team, this resembles an end of a cycle," he said.

"I have been at the club for 10 years. I feel worn out, really tired. The fatigue is physical and psychological.

"We are going to talk it over with the board this week and things will be decided in the days to follow.

"But I no longer feel I have the ability to bring what I could have brought to the team over the past few years.

"It's a fact. What I feel now is what I felt before - this isn't something new and isn't linked to the defeat [against Perpignan].

"The club needs to evolve, to grow. I have experienced some great things in my 10 years but I am a little worn out."

Biarritz one of the giants of French rugby have won the championship on three occasions under Lagisquet in 2002, 2005 and 2006.

Over the last few years Biarritz have been seriously criticised for their negative style of play. During this seasons campaign they have only managed to score a lowly 264 points in 20 games, the third lowest total in the Top 14.

The top two sides in this years competition Toulouse and Clermont -Auvergne, have led the way this year with their attractive style and in the process have scored more than double the number of points than Biarritz

With Biarritz now lagging in fifth position eight points off the top four with six games remaining, the chances of saving their season are looking about as likely as Lagisquet keeping his job for next season.