Nick Abendanon linked to Top14 coaching role

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.