Tana Umaga to play again as Sonny Bill Williams stays at Toulon

[jargan83]

Tana Umaga to play again as Sonny Bill Williams stays at Toulon

Money Bill Williams looks set to remain at French rugby club Toulon - for the time being at least - after club coach Tana Umaga was sensationally returned to the playing ranks.
It was thought Umaga - one of the men credited with luring Williams from the Bulldogs - would be sacked today, possibly further weakening Williams' position at the club.

But in a surprise move, former All Blacks captain Umaga, 35, will resume his playing career, 18 months after retiring.

He will retain the coaching role, but Sale coach and former France skipper Philippe Saint-Andre is the club's new sporting director.

It was thought Saint-Andre would directly replace Umaga as coach of Toulon.

Despite the retention of Umaga, Williams' position at the club could still be in jeopardy.

The injury-prone NRL star, returning from a long stint on the sidelines with a broken leg, has only played in five of Toulon's regular season matches.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...006066,00.html

[mudskipper]

Tana Umaga is a legend...he'll again be a great leader on the field...

[TOCC]

Tana Umaga was a legend on the field, i would hate to see him jeepardize that aura and memory of him by doing something he isnt capable of.

[mudskipper]

Tana Umaga was a legend on the field, i would hate to see him jeepardize that aura and memory of him by doing something he isnt capable of.

Lets hope he does well and is fit enough...

[jargan83]

Unfortunately you would have to say the odds are against him, without a doubt best of luck to him but at 35 years of age, playing in a cut throat professional competition?

Is he that desperate for a pay check? Surely he has nothing to prove in the playing arena? (Except maybe winning a RWC )

I still remember his speech after the Force's first home win

[mudskipper]

maybe he believes in the team abilities… and wants to lead from the front before walking away… from Toulon…if he doesn’t get some result there he will find it hard to get hired elsewhere...

[jargan83]

I think a 35 year old, going on 36 this year i assume will find it hard to find a gig anywhere

[mudskipper]

I think a 35 year old, going on 36 this year i assume will find it hard to find a gig anywhere

i mean as a coach... i always thought he would get some credits and end up coaching at the Canes one day...

[jargan83]

well he avoids getting the sack this way

[mudskipper]

Sounds like is working for a nut case...

[Thequeerone]

A very wealthy nut case - how did he make his money

[mudskipper]

A very wealthy nut case - how did he make his money

Mourad Boudjellal is a French businessman, the proprietor of comic publisher Soleil Productions. He was born on 5 June 1960 in Toulon, France. He is currently the President of the Toulon Rugby Union club...Wikipeadia

[TOCC]

comic books...

i dont think that this whole Toulon episode would damage Umaga's coaching credentials, especially in New Zealand where the relative people know what a great rugby mind he has.

I dont think he will back back coaching the Canes as head coach anytime soon, i expect he will probably return to NZ as coach of the ANZC Wellington side, and then maybe assitant coach at the Hurricanes.