Former Bok gets French coaching gig

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In a major coup for French Top 14 outfit Bordeaux, head coach Yannick Bru has added one of SA rugby’s experienced coaching exports to his staff.

Former Springbok and Sharks No 8 Shaun Sowerby has linked up with the club as an assistant coach for next season. The 46-year-old, who earned his only Test cap in 2002, has signed a one-year deal with the 2023-24 French league finalists.

Sowerby, who played for Stade Francais, Toulouse, and Grenoble, began his coaching career with Eastern Province before moving back to France to coach Montpellier and Biarritz.

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His arrival at Bordeaux compensates for the absence of Aksventi Giorgadze, who is dealing with health issues.

“Sowerby joined the Montpellier staff before joining Biarritz Olympique in 2019, where he contributed to the Basque club’s rise to the Top 14,” a club statement reads.

“He has just signed a one-year contract with UBB as a lineout coach. His arrival comes in a particular context, linked to a health problem of our current lineout coach Aksventi Giorgadze. We wish ‘Globus’ a speedy recovery and express our full support.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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