Tuesday Round-Up

PSA to continue: According to reports emanating out of French rugby circles, current national head coach Philippe Saint-Andre could well see his contract extended beyond next year’s Rugby World Cup on English soil. Saint-Andre, who has won just 37% of the games in which he has been in charge, is statistically the worst French coach in the modern era. Despite his underwhelming record and the constant fire he has come under over the course of his tenure, president of the French Federation, Pierre Camou, has said that he and his staff have explored the option of Saint-Andre remaining in charge until after the 2016 Six Nations, especially if they opt to recruit from within the club system. Should they go down that route, the rumour mill is currently producing two names from within the Top 14 system, that of Fabien Galthie, currently of Montpellier, and Raphael Ibanez, Bordeaux’s main man. Although these two names are already being linked with the role, Camou also refused to rule out the prospect of signing up a head coach from abroad.

Cowan staying on: Wallabies prop forward Pek Cowan has agreed terms on a contract extension with Super Rugby franchise the Western Force. Having enjoyed one of his most impressive seasons to date on the domestic front, 28 year old Cowan has begun to force his way back into international contention with Michael Cheika’s Wallabies. Cowan’s form was one of the main drivers behind the Force’s excellent eight placed finish, after narrowly missing out on a playoff spot, courtesy of a final day loss at the hands of fellow Australian counterparts the Brumbies. Operating out of Perth, Cowan said last year’s marginal loss has fuelled both himself and many of his teammates to remain at the Force, in the pursuit of domestic success in Super Rugby. Since returning to the international fold following three years of exile, Cowan has gone on to make five appearances for the Wallabies, all coming as a replacement. Cowan becomes the second Wallaby front rower this week to sign a contract extension, after Brumbies skipper Stephen Moore put pen to paper on a new deal.

Ryan Sheady