Perpignan Set to Replace Head Coach Franck Azéma with Laurent Labit
Perpignan, France – USAP is poised to appoint Laurent Labit as its new head coach, following a string of eight consecutive defeats and the anticipated departure of current manager Franck Azéma. News of Azéma’s impending exit first surfaced Sunday,as reported by rugbyrama.fr.
Azéma, whose contract with the club extends through June 2028, reportedly offered to step down weeks ago, acknowledging his potential inability to revitalize the team’s performance. The timing of his official departure – whether immediate or following the upcoming match against Pau – remains unconfirmed.
The club intends to rebuild its leadership structure, retaining forwards coaches Mathieu Cidre and Nicolas Mas while prioritizing the recruitment of a new head of staff.
Laurent Labit, previously with Stade Français until March, is the leading candidate. Discussions between Labit and USAP have begun, with his experience, specialization in backline management, and current availability cited as key advantages. Though, Labit has indicated he will formally engage in negotiations only after Azéma’s situation is finalized.
Azéma previously coached Clermont and Toulon, and his departure marks another notable shift within the USAP organization following the earlier exits of david Marty and Gérald Bastide.
