Williams poised for move to France

RUGBY:MATT WILLIAMS is poised to become director of rugby at French club Racing Club Narbonne Mediterranée this season.

Williams is part of a group of international businessmen and rugby administrators who have been seeking to buy a French club. Former Australia and Leicester coach Bob Dwyer is the chairman of FG Management, while David Gibson is the managing director.

Gibson and Williams are friends going back to their playing days in New South Wales.

Narbonne finished 13th of 16 teams in Pro Div 2 last season but a substantial investment would be injected, should the takeover be completed as expected next week, to assist the club’s return to the Top 14. “It’s not signed yet but the discussions are a good bit down the road,” said Williams yesterday.

The ex-Leinster, Scotland and Ulster coach confirmed contracts could be signed in the coming days. “There are reports that I will coaching the club next week. They are not correct as of now but if our group’s bid is successful I will take up the role of director of coaching at Narbonne.”

Williams would also become a shareholder in the club.

“I plan to continue my work in the Irish media with Setanta, Newstalk and The Irish Times.”

Williams will be based in Dublin during next month’s World Cup as Setanta have the primary broadcasting rights for Irish television.

“Narbonne is a traditional French club that has fallen on hard times since 2005,” Williams continued.

“The area remains one of the richest in junior rugby talent in France. It is this nursery of talent, mixed with quality coaching that we hope will provide a long-term stream of high class players to grow the team’s performance over the next decade. We are aiming for promotion to Top 14 over the next 36 to 48 months.”

Former Connacht prop Brian McGovern played for Narbonne last season.