Skinstad brings in Bok RWC-winning team-mate to take charge of Beziers

Former Springboks prop Gurthrö Steenkamp has signed with Pro D2 side AS Béziers-Hérault for the next three years, taking over the head coach role following David Irazoqui’s departure.

Steenkamp moved to France in 2012, joining Toulouse, helping the club win the Top 14 in 2014, before moving to Stade Français in 2017.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup winner made the transition to coaching in 2019 and eventually was invited to join Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle as the scrum coach in 2021. At the same time he worked also with the La Rochelle’s espoirs as the forwards coach, helping them reach the Élite semifinals twice in the last four years.

Béziers-Hérault president Bob Skinstad praised the arrival of his former Springbok team-mate, highlighting the club’s commitment to fight for the top half of the table.

“Gurthrö Steenkamp’s arrival is a great piece of news for the club. Having played by his side and against him, I can say that he is talented and a very demanding individual, and is also a great human. His vast experience as a top level player and coach will be key to help the club progress and achieve its goals.”

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Steenkamp wasn’t the only big announcement for the upcoming season, as former All Blacks and Samoa centre, Malakai Fekitoa, will also be joining the team until 2029.

Conversely, Romania’s Taylor Gontineac, Portugal’s Hugo Aubry and Hugo Camacho, and Samoan international Otunuku Pauta have officially left the club, pushing the board to find solutions in the next few weeks.

Béziers endured a tough ordeal this season, as they were battling against relegation until the final two rounds, clinching it thanks to the valiant effort of Lobos Samuel Marques, who has also exited the club to sign with Carcassonne.

The Pro D2 2026/2027 season kicks off on August 28, with Béziers looking to qualify for the championship play-offs.