Biarritz president Serge Blanco has placed coaches Jack Isaac and Serge Milhas on gardening leave, three days after their Heineken Cup defeat to Connacht at the Sportsground.

Yesterday’s decision comes ahead of the return fixture at the Parc des Sports Aguilera on Friday.

Defeat in Galway appears to have been the final straw for Blanco, who was already critical of the side’s performance prior to the 22-14 defeat that left them trailing the Irish province by three points and Pool Three leaders Harlequins by nine.

Such turmoil ahead of the visit of Eric Elwood’s side is far from ideal for the famous French club’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Athletic director Laurent Rodriguez and director of the training centre Mathieu Rourre will take temporary charge of the team. But where exactly the move leaves Australian backs coach Isaac and forwards coach Milhas is unclear.

A Biarritz statement indicated that the pair would be exempt from duty until January 6th, during which time a path forward for the club, which presumably includes a severance package, could be agreed.

“At some point, you have to reinvigorate a team that needs to be revinvigorated. After many discussions and exchanges, whether it was with the players or the staffs, it appeared to be essential to do something,” explained Blanco.