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With Toulon struggling to be remotely competitive in the Top 14, the premier division of French rugby, it is likely that the former All Black captain Tana Umaga will fall on his sword.
The French media have described the club as the ‘Harlem Globetrotters of Rugby’.
Unfortunately, this is not entirely apt. Opposition teams of the class of Toulouse and Stade Francais do not fold to the superstar laden team coached by Umaga, and this is a lesson that is being quickly found out by the faithful.
Or more to the point, it is a lesson that perhaps will never be learnt.
Mourad Boudjellal has tried to rejuvenate the club with little concern for the club’s rich history. Some of the wise-heads of European rugby regard the club as little more than a circus, or a country club for famous internationals wanting a rugby vacation.
Toulon, founded in 1908 is hardly some rich man’s fantasy team. They have won the French championship on three occasions, in 1931, 1987 and 1992. But modern history has seen them go in and out of the top flight (the Top 14) and the second division (Pro D2). Financially destroyed in the 1990s, they won promotion to the Top 14 in 2005 after winning the Pro D2.
However, as they are finding this season, there is a huge difference between the two divisions in France, and they were relegated back after just one year.
It was here the Boudjellal began to play fantasy football: George Gregan, Anton Oliver, Andrew Mehrtons, Dan Luger and Victor Matfield all signed contracts – as well as Umaga himself earning a reported 300,000 Euros for playing just a handful of games.
After being charmed by Toulon, Umaga returned to coach the star-studded team, who lived up to their globetrotter reputation by sweeping through the Pro D2 and once again gaining promotion the Top 14 championship.
But, despite the arrivals of former All Black Jerry Collins and high profile League convert Sonny Bill Williams, they have struggled at the premier level. Most of their initial glamour signings have departed, and despite still boasting a cadre of talent, the team still struggles.
Some argue that it is the fact that these players come so celebrated and are paid so much that they are never going to translate their performance to the park. Jerry Collins remarked after last year’s Barbarians match against Australia that he had not played to full potential in France.
Umaga has been assured he is safe, but one only has to remember Tim Lane to understand that such promises mean little to eccentric millionaires. Boudjellal wants success. He wants another Top 14 championship for the club.
When Eddie Jones Saracens played them last year, he remarked that they were hardly impressive. With the exception of Matfield and Oliver, there has not been considerable focus on the tight five of Toulon, an observation noted by Jones.
Superstars in the backs, and globally recognised (but declining) back-rowers do not make an exceptional rugby team.
The tragedy in this lies with Umaga. And it’s a tale the RFU and Martin Johnson may soon learn as well unless English rugby conjures a miracle in the next year.
Great captains are not guaranteed great coaches.
Umaga, who reportedly left New Zealand to escape the pressure of fame, has now paid the price of another kind. To win a second division competition with a galaxy of stars is one thing, to compete against top level teams and coaches in the Top 14 is all but impossible for a coaching novice.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.