Super rugby clubs eye Mark Gasnier after axing of Stade Francais coach

Australian Super rugby teams are lining up to bring Mark Gasnier home after his Stade Francais coach Ewen McKenzie was axed by the club's eccentric owner.

McKenzie paid the price for a slow start to the season, with Stade Francais chairman Max Guazzini cutting ties with the former New South Wales coach just five games into his second year in Paris.

Gasnier was said to be stunned by the sudden development and it is certain to have a big impact on his future after McKenzie recruited him from the NRL.

Gasnier is off contract with Stade Francais midway through next year and both the ARU and Aussie franchises - including a yet-to-be-formed Melbourne team - yesterday began to register interest in the former Kangaroo for 2011.

"The experience that he's had over there with Stade Francais would have furthered his rugby education, so if there's an interest on his behalf to get back to Australia he would be a good consideration in our plans," NSW coach Chris Hickey said

Full article:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html

Now that he has some Union under the belt I wish I could watch a match or two to see for myself how he has adapted.
You would think, if he is any good and if he genuinely wants to make it to NZ'11 then he will need at least one season playing in Australia.
A big ticket signing for Melbourne for sure.

I'd be stunned if he went to melbourne. What would be the appeal? The other four established teams would be much better for his career than a greenfields team in a city that barely gives a hoot about rugby.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tic

I'd be stunned if he went to melbourne. What would be the appeal?

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A grossly obscene amount of money?

Yes, true.

I don't think Gaz wants to hop back into the Sydney media fish bowl... most likely Reds, Melbourne or Force... Brumbies have a no vacancy sign hanging outside their Griffith HQ...