Thomas Darracq, the coach-selection of the XV of France women, leaves his functions "for family reasons", after having led the Blue ones to the third place of the World Cup in New Zealand this fall, announced Monday the French Federation of rugby.
“The FFR has taken note of the decision of its coach-trainer Thomas Darracq to leave his position with the XV of France women for family reasons”, affirms the FFR in a press release.
Darracq, who was appointed at the end of May after the Women's Six Nations Tournament in place of Annick Hayraud, whom the Blues had finished in second place behind England, is replaced by his assistants, David Ortiz and Gaëlle Mignot.
David Ortiz and Gaëlle Mignot have been appointed coaches of #XVdeFrance Féminin.
Thomas Darracq has made the decision to leave office for family reasons.
More info 👇https://t.co/et2UYzLh00 pic.twitter.com/ShtrdrfVib
– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) December 19, 2022
The former captain of the Blues, winners of the Grand Slam in 2014, and David Ortiz, ex-coach of the forwards of Agen (Pro D2), were until now "in charge of the scrum and attitudes in contact" for the one, and "touch and defense" for the other.
Darracq, 45, "will take up duties within the National Technical Department (DTN) as part of the high level and federal performance project", adds the press release.
On the return of the Bleues from the World Cup in New Zealand (October 8-November 12), the back Jessy Trémoulière, little used by the staff during the competition, had denounced in an interview with L'Équipe "a lack of respect" from the guidance towards him.
Following this interview, but also the comments of several executive players after the "small" final who reported friction between the staff and the team in New Zealand, the FFR announced "that a debriefing and analysis work (had) started the day after the competition with all the players in the World Cup”.
“This work includes listening to all the players of the France group as well as the staff.
It will be finished around December 20, ”explained the FFR.
Les Bleues will play the 2023 Six Nations Tournament from March 26 to April 29.