Umaga out and Connolly in at Toulon
THE tempestuous climate at big-spending French rugby club Toulon could be set to claim its first victim, with sources suggesting incumbent coach Tana Umaga could lose his job to former Wallabies and Stade Francais mentor John Connolly.
Connolly is understood to be heading to France this week to speak with Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal. It is uncertain whether Connolly will interview for Umaga's role directly, or a director of rugby position within the club, but the very fact the Queenslander has been summoned to France represents a major undermining of the former All Black's authority.
Rumours have been circulating for several weeks regarding Boudjellal's displeasure at Toulon's tepid performances in France's Top 14 competition this season. The club sits in the seventh place with two wins, two losses and a draw, and reports in England have suggested the enigmatic owner might attempt to poach Jonny Wilkinson from Newcastle to boost his playing stocks. Boudjellal's ire has also apparently been raised by Sonny Bill Williams's latest injury drama.
The former Bulldog scored a try on debut against Clermont in the first round of the Top 14, but sustained a hairline leg fracture in Toulon's next match - a 3-3 draw with last-placed Brive, described by Boudjellal as "shameful".
Sources in southern France suggest Umaga has headed back to New Zealand, for family reasons, but the imminent arrival of Connolly has thrown serious doubt as to whether he will return. When contacted by the Herald last night, Boudjellal denied approaching Connolly, saying only, "there is no problem [with Umaga]".
Boudjellal was similarly coy during his covert courtship of Williams, denying his club had made any contact with the former NRL star until the eve of his first training appearance at the Stade Ange Siccardi.
The departure of Umaga would be a tremendous blow for Williams. The former All Blacks enforcer scouted the 23-year-old during the winter, and convinced Boudjellal to part with a reported $1.5 million a season to secure his services. Umaga has mentored Williams since his arrival.
A Toulon spokesperson last night gave no indication as to a possible return date for Williams, stating only that he "continues his strength training and working in the pool".
