Bizarre: International referee linked to Montpellier coaching gig
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In one of the most bizarre transfer rumours this year, Top 14 and International referee Alexandre Ruiz will hang up his whistle to join the coaching staff of Montpellier.
A report by Midi Olympique and Rugby Rama states that Ruiz will hang up his whistle at the end of the season and join Montpellier's coaching staff as the defence coach.
The report suggests that the referee will sign a two-year deal to be part of Philippe Saint-Andre’s coaching staff.
This might be one of the most bizarre stories I've seen.
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) May 30, 2021
Top 14 referee Alexandre Ruiz is retiring from refereeing to become the defence coach of Montpellier👀
Apparently not an April Fool! https://t.co/xf3f4z9PNQ
Xavier Garbajosa was sacked at the beginning of the year with Philippe Saint-Andre taking over as head coach on an interim basis.
Since then, Montpellier claimed the Challenge Cup and look set to steer clear of relegation.
Ruiz is set to join Olivier Azam, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Bruce Reihana in the Montpellier back room staff.
Clermont coach Franck Azema was high on the list to replace Garbajosa as the head coach of Montpellier but after the recent success of Saint-Andre, it is believed that Montpellier president Mohed Altrad is not keen to loosen the purse strings for a new head coach.
