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.
sunshinecoaster
Guest
crosscoader I think we should just agree to disagree,i never accused you of being anti union i respect you opinion and take your word that your a keen union fan as well as liking your league,there both games worth watching and discussing,that we can both agree on.
j williams
Guest
ha ha cross dresser.who areyou some wannabe reporter you know nothing
Crosscoder
Guest
J Williams. Of course anything you say.And quite a few players he did not tell. Anycase it is now agreed the Dogs were the only ones at fault.Everone else except the player. That should clean the air.Case closed.
j williams
Guest
to all you baggers of sb you guys no nothing about him he asked for a release five times from the dogs for reasons i wish i could say .he told alot of the players that he was going and all of them wished him well they all still talk to him and what makes me laugh is that it still makes the papers.loyalty is atwo way thing .you only hear what the club and nrl plus that silly daily toilet paper who get there information from the french. bakery across the road . so stop talking about something you know nothing about
keith
Guest
Rami, mate, I've had a go. Have another read of the thread and imagine it in capital letters if that'll help :)
rami
Guest
To Keith and OPEN TO ANYBODY>what is your coaching soluition have a go son tell us EG., How would Tana attack this caper? How u handle the boss and ANDRE and the super star players?IAN WATSON
rami
Guest
We have all gone off course here all our opinions are not what they suppose to be. QUESTION CAN YOU COACH TOULON? WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO TANA Get away from contracts etc., because we dont know whats in the clauses DONT SPECULATE what u dont know. I CANT SEE MANY COACHES OUT THERE only wana bees/Ian Watson
Crosscoder
Guest
Nick_KIA No sirree my comments do not back up an open binding contract.There was in fact no optional clause within his contract to suggest,if he were unhappy there was an out to pursue a careeer in ru. If you happen to think the dogs(and i am no supporter of that club) were happy a) with the outcome b) with the potential costs of pursuing to get the needed amount c) the NRL could not offer financial legal support,you are kidding.The comments from the new CEO ATT to the effect" we had no alternative' suggests a less than happy conclusion.Their hands were effectively tied. You noted (which funnily supports my view) that clubs are interested only in the bottom line.Voila.The SBW unplanned departure,cost the club financially in terms of their gate for the remainder of the 08 season,in terms of the playing strength and a profiled player which assists accessing sponsors. Not Toulon's fault! Last I heard Tana was the paid gent in charge of player recruitment.Or is he some sort of independent operator ,without any Toulon control.No way Jose. In other words employed by Toulon,with full knowledge of the excs and private backer.Tana knew he was under an NRL contract.He even discussed the issue with Kearney of the Storm. SBW stated openly on TV ,the reason and the sole reason he went to Toulon was in one word" Tana". You employed by someone(insert Toulon),you are employed on their behalf. It may not be a view you agree with, however should someone gives a view that either they disagree with ,or doesn't suit them,that is life,that is an opposing view.
Crosscoder
Guest
Sunshinecoaster. The fact that I followed and played rugby union for 5 years I hope gives me some fairminded insight,and to suggest I am whining about SBW going to union is not the issue. It is simply the way he did it,he dumped on his teamates full stop.You think they are thrilled little fellas.Not a case of slagging off at the guy,I think he is genuine but naive at times. aslo think the dogs were also at fault ,and his mgr ditto. The media,sorry if I put my trust in everything the media exaggerated I would be jumping off the nearest landmark. I also liked Ridge and Price and alternatively Lote and Mat Rogers in union.Comparing their movement to SBW is a bit rich. Whenever someone brings up the league poached union players for years and now they lose a couple, are getting upset ,I happen to balance the books by saying it happened to rugby league players in France also for decades. The fact that it happened appears to be irrevelant or conveniently overlooked by some rugby union followers.Should you dare give another view you are considered a rl supporter with a chip on his shoulder.In fact I am a sport's follower who believes in balance in the media and in general debate.Nothing more nothing less.
keith
Guest
Saint-Andre is only ever expected to prevent relegation, but when Tana started he was expected to lead them to the top. That puts Tana in a difficult situation politically. Win or lose, it will be hard for him to leave on a positive note. What he needs to do is keep his head down and learn as much as he can both from his situation. If the team is relegated, let as much of the blame fall on Saint-Andre's head as possible. On the field it should be a different story. The players will respond well to a coaching change. They need a revamp and they're at the stage where any change is good. I believe the talent is there at Toulon to at least fulfill Saint-Andre's mission. There's not enough time for champagne rugby. This is a team that needs to play percentage footy to dig out victories. That takes discipline and the ability to execute when the opportunity arises. There is a ridiculous amount of experience on this side so recognising the chances shouldn't be a problem. What it will take is a clear and simple method of on field communication so that everybody is playing the same game. That will mean the job of some players gets alot more complicated while others will be alot more simple. Tana (if selected) can play a pivotal role in that on field organisation.
rami
Guest
Westy has his views as we all have.We have all a knowledge of both codes of rugby the important issue CAN TANA COACH?As much as his Mana(Standing in rugby)that is why players SBW,Jerry & co want to play with the great man,Mana alone wont make you a very good coach. 1/ Many have played with Tana. No pedigree in coach arena. Tana did not learn the French lingo. Being one of the boys A NO NO. NZ and French rugby complete different. In the AB /Hurricanes they had high tec and coaching staff most of all discipline on the field where TANA has not got that luxary but Toulon has money thrown at the wrong places. Tana has on and off field distractions. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE and HOW WOULD YOU COACH? WALK THE WALK and TALK THE TALK Commenters to the ROAR. Ian Watson
The Link
Guest
Agree Midfielder. westy the real, no room for playing the man on this site. give us a view on why Westy is wrong / right based on the issues.
sunshincoaster
Guest
westy the real This thread has been hijacked by the bitter and twisted people still crying there hearts out over Sonny Bill,the same ones that talk about honor and mateship are now going all out to make Sonny Bill pay because he went to union,there waiting with there bitter tongues and there deflated egos for Sonny Bill to fall flat on his face and boy are they gonna rub if they get that chance.Somehow some of them are so bitter there even trying to spin Toulons troubles into Sonny Bills direction,more proof of how little they know about professional sport So to sum it up they have come into this thread not knowing anything about Toulon or Tana Umaga but to have another shot at Sonny Bill,its a shame because Toulons troubles makes for an interesting topic.
Westy The Real Rugby Fan
Guest
Im just wondering why would someone be talking about West Sydney and mainly Australian rugby and league when the topic we are discussing is about Tana and Toulon . I've seen Westy comments on leagueunlimited forum and I know most of you will find it offensive . Especially that he's here pretending to be a rugby union fan . I suggest you guys visit leagueunlimited forum read comments made by russ 13 (Westy) and you will have an idea what a sick person he really is . My apology is Im off topic but I thought I'll just let you know . Cheers .
Keith
Guest
OK Steffy (backing away slowly, careful not to make any sudden moves which could set off a grievance real or imaginary, current or historical)
Steffy
Guest
"my grandfather was banned from union for playing professional rugby” Hang on, rugby was amatuer back then wasn’t it?…oh you mean league!" No - he was banned for being a professional rugby player - the word "league" wasn't mentioned.
Westy
Guest
I am Guity as anyone but Keith is right we no longer are engaging on the topic
Keith
Guest
"my grandfather was banned from union for playing professional rugby" Hang on, rugby was amatuer back then wasn't it?...oh you mean league! Sorry big fella, couldn't resist. Hope you don't spend the next 100 years obsessing over it.
Keith
Guest
"Which historical grievances?" Fascinating!
Steffy
Guest
"I’m also fascinated by your many historical grievances. I’m a rugby fan, have been all my life, and I agree that banning people from playing rugby because they wanted to go to league was not a good decision by the particular rugby administrators involved" Which historical grievances? I am a rugby fan too - my grandfather was banned from union for playing professional rugby (although he didn't receive a penny)