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Nick Abendanon linked to Top14 coaching role
By Ian Cameron
Former England fullback Nick Abendanon has been linked to a potential move into coaching with French club Bayonne, according to reports from French sports media outlet L'Equipe.
Bayonne, who have been on the hunt for staff following the dismissal of Antoine Battut, are reportedly in talks with Abendanon as they seek to strengthen their coaching team ahead of the new season.
While the 36-year-old is currently still under contract with Vannes, his playing career is set to come to an end this summer due to a serious bicep injury. As a result, Abendanon is said to be considering a move into coaching, with Bayonne reportedly offering him a role as a skills coach.
Abendanon's potential move into coaching comes as Bayonne continue to make significant changes ahead of the new season. The club has already extended the contract of second row Konstantine Mikautadze, while also reportedly in talks with former Agen coach Rémi Vaquin.
The news will come as a boost to Bayonne fans, who have been eagerly anticipating a busy summer transfer window. With the new season just around the corner, the Basque club has been working hard to strengthen its squad and improve its coaching staff, as it looks to build on last season's solid performances.
After starting his career in England at Bath, Abendanon played six Top 14 seasons at Clermont before joining Vannes in 2020, after seriously considering retiring as a player.
Despite a sparkling career in the Premiership over the course of 207 caps for Bath, he won just two Test caps for England. He won his first one in South Africa – the country of his birth. He was capped again against France later that year, but narrowly missed out on a place in England's 30-man squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He did eventually travel to the tournament as cover for the final after an injury to Josh Lewsey.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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