Mike Ford to leave Toulon by mutual agreement before the end of the season

After Toulon’s 29-9 Champions Cup quarter-final defeat to Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, head coach Mike Ford will not be finishing the season with the Top 14 club.

Ford's current deputy, Richard Cockerill, will be in charge of the first team. He will be assisted by Marc Dal Maso while Matt Giteau has agreed to take over the backs while continuing to play.

Ford joined Toulon initially as assistant to head coach Diego Dominguez at the beginning of the season, and was promoted to the top job in October, where he has guided the three-time European champions to fourth in the top 14.