Julien Gérin will no longer train Saint-Gaudens. The Commingeois coach looks back on the 2021 financial year. A difficult season where his team could not avoid last place.
What do you remember from this season?
Honestly, it was a very complicated season, I would even say galley. A season that was impacted by the Covid-19. I admit that it was also difficult for the other nine clubs of the elite 1. But, in Saint-Gaudens, the Covid-19 has really disturbed us. The life of the group was strongly affected. I want to stress that I am not hiding behind this argument. Within the club, we all have our share of responsibility for this missed season in terms of sport. I think we deserved something other than the red lantern. But, we must assume and draw the consequences of this failure.
Could you have avoided this last place?
Sincerely yes! At the very start of the championship, we missed the boat during the first two days. In Toulouse, we bow at the last minute (26-24). Ditto the following week against Carcassonne (34-32). If these two short defeats had turned into victory, we could claim something else, I’m sure. After this unsuccessful start to the championship, we lose our game leader Josh Coyle. His injury was a real blow to the team. The icing on the cake is the game lost on the green carpet against Toulouse. The players had a very good game, the season was restarted. This federal sanction has pulled the rug out from under us. The spring was broken, we then had a series of defeats.
How do you see your future?
I will no longer be Saint-Gaudens’ coach next season. During the season, I announced it to the managers. I need to take a breather, to take a year off. In addition, within my company, I will take on new responsibilities. At the moment, I cannot lead both a professional life and training for an elite club 1. But, I remain very attached to rugby union. I will follow the clubs and continue to be interested in the Treizist life.
This weekend, the semi-finals of the elite 1. Who do you see in the final on June 20 at Ernest-Wallon?
I saw Limoux in the final. However, the Limouxins failed against Avignon. Carcassonne and Lézignan have the chance to play at home. On the other hand, Avignon and Catalan Saint-Estève-XIII showed good dispositions during the dams. it remains very undecided. A surprise cannot be ruled out.
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