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Poland part company with head coach Christian Hitt
By Jon Newcombe
Christian Hitt has lost his job as head coach of Poland after a winless Rugby Europe Championship campaign.
Poland finished in last place in both of the years they competed in the eight-team competition and face the prospect of relegation to the Rugby Europe Trophy.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the Welshman wrote: “My time with Polski Zwi?zek Rugby has come to an end. Having spent the last two and a half years as Head Coach of the XVs team my contract has finished and it’s time to look for a new opportunity.
“I am incredibly proud of what the group of players and staff achieved during this period, having finished in the highest position in the Rugby Europe Trophy in 2021-2022 for the previous eight years with second place. This saw us get promoted to compete in the Rugby Europe Championship for the past two years.
“Although it has been incredibly tough for our players, they have shown improvements on and off the field individually and collectively as a team. We transitioned an ageing squad into what now is an exciting group of players who need time to grow and develop. Unfortunately, the union has decided to go in a different direction and not continue our journey.
“I have met some great people throughout my time with Poland and would like to thank all the players and staff that have contributed to the programme.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my coaching journey, wherever that may take me.”
The winners of the 2023-24 Trophy will replace Poland and as things stand, unbeaten Switzerland are the red-hot favourites to go up.
Switzerland lead the standings with three wins out of three and a victory over second-place Croatia in Yverdon-les-Bains this Saturday would put them in an almost unassailable position.
In addition, RugbyPass understands it is all but confirmed that the world’s number 26 team fulfils the necessary off-field criteria, which include certain requirements around venues, age-group sides, media commitments and budgeting – to warrant a place in the Rugby Europe Championship
Hitt was appointed head coach of Poland in August 2021, the Welshman leading them out of the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy in his first year in charge.
Poland won five of their first six matches under him but the step up in standard in the Rugby Europe Championship was always going to be challenging for his team and they only won one of their 10 matches in 2023 and 2024.
Before his current role, Hitt had stints coaching the German and Wales 7s teams as well as working for the WRU as a rugby development officer.
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When Sth Africa had Joost and Honiball at 9 and 10 they were almost impenetrable in and around the ruck. Even Jonah couldn't make headway in those channels so they were very hard to get in behind. They had a fantastic side who played a fast, rugged style which won them the Tri Nations during that period. That side would beat their current mob of which I have no doubt.
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