Clermont's new head coach named

Joe El-Abd has been officially announced as the future head coach of Clermont, set to take charge after the 2027 World Cup. The ASM (Clermont's rugby club) has confirmed his appointment, though details about his assistant staff are still pending.

Christophe Urios leads the OneASM project

Christophe Urios will be responsible for the OneASM project, a strategic initiative aimed at developing the club's rugby program. This project is expected to focus on youth development and long-term planning for the team's success.

Brock James considered for assistant role

Brock James, a former player for Clermont, is being considered as a potential assistant coach. According to La Montagne, he is a preferred option to lead the attack, and contacts have been initiated, although no official agreement has been reached yet.

Frédéric Charrier's departure opens door

Frédéric Charrier, currently in charge of the backs, will not be renewed, according to L’Équipe. This opens the door for new candidates, including Brock James, to take on the role of attack coordinator.

Brock James' rugby legacy

Brock James has a strong legacy at Clermont, having played for the team for ten seasons and winning the Brennus Cup in 2010. He was known for his precision and consistency, including a streak of 41 successful kicks in a row.

James' career after rugby

After retiring as a player, Brock James transitioned into coaching, working with teams such as the Ospreys in Europe and the Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand. He also joined the New Zealand under-20 team in 2026, gaining valuable experience in youth development.

Potential partnership with El-Abd

The potential partnership between Joe El-Abd and Brock James could be a strong one. El-Abd is known for his defensive expertise, while James brings experience in offensive play and footwork, which could complement the existing half-back pair at Clermont.

Challenges in James' return

Despite the potential benefits of Brock James' return, there are challenges. James is currently working in New Zealand and would need to leave his current position to take on an assistant role. Additionally, El-Abd will still be involved with the French national team until the 2027 World Cup, which may affect the timing of staff appointments.

Clermont's future depends on new solutions

While the return of Brock James would be a nostalgic moment for Clermont fans, the club's future will depend on the new coaching team's ability to implement effective strategies and move the team forward. For now, James' return remains a possibility.