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Stade Francais court McKenzie
02/04/2008 14:36 - (SA)
Sydney - Ewen McKenzie may stand accused of coaching the Waratahs to play "boring" rugby, but he has emerged as a strong candidate to coach one of the world's most flamboyant and successful teams, Stade Francais.
The former Wallabies prop - whose "mutual agreement" with NSW Rugby not to renew his contract after this season was confirmed on Tuesday - is thought to be high on the wish list of Stade Francais owner Max Guazzini. If a deal can be made between McKenzie and the Paris club - currently third in France's Top 14 competition - it could prove to be a financial and career masterstroke for him.
Head coaches in France can earn up to $900 000 a year. And the experience of coaching a side overseas - particularly one as highly regarded and successful as Stade Francais - would be priceless for his coaching CV. If McKenzie can continue Stade Francais' success - they have won four French championships in the past seven years - it could re-ignite his bid to coach the Wallabies one day.
The critics who have lambasted McKenzie's conservative tactics with the Waratahs may be amused by the thought of the man known as "Link" sporting the fluorescent pink of Stade Francais and celebrating wins among a customary fanfare of showgirls and fireworks before home crowds of 80 000-plus. But McKenzie has attracted the interest of entrepreneur Guazzini, who resurrected the club after taking it over in 1992, introducing its colourful pre-and-post match entertainment and building a winning side.
The position is open because current coach Fabien Galthie has asked Guazzini if he can cut short his contract, which runs until the end of 2010, to either take up another post at the club or embark on a career in politics. It is understood Guazzini has consented to the former French halfback and captain's request - as long as a replacement can be found.
- SAPA
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