1
Poland part company with head coach Christian Hitt
Christian Hitt has lost his job as head coach of Poland after a winless Rugby Europe Championship campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poland finished in last place in both of the years they competed in the eight-team competition and face the prospect of relegation to the Rugby Europe Trophy.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the Welshman wrote: “My time with Polski Zwi?zek Rugby has come to an end. Having spent the last two and a half years as Head Coach of the XVs team my contract has finished and it’s time to look for a new opportunity.
“I am incredibly proud of what the group of players and staff achieved during this period, having finished in the highest position in the Rugby Europe Trophy in 2021-2022 for the previous eight years with second place. This saw us get promoted to compete in the Rugby Europe Championship for the past two years.
“Although it has been incredibly tough for our players, they have shown improvements on and off the field individually and collectively as a team. We transitioned an ageing squad into what now is an exciting group of players who need time to grow and develop. Unfortunately, the union has decided to go in a different direction and not continue our journey.
“I have met some great people throughout my time with Poland and would like to thank all the players and staff that have contributed to the programme.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my coaching journey, wherever that may take me.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The winners of the 2023-24 Trophy will replace Poland and as things stand, unbeaten Switzerland are the red-hot favourites to go up.
Switzerland lead the standings with three wins out of three and a victory over second-place Croatia in Yverdon-les-Bains this Saturday would put them in an almost unassailable position.
In addition, RugbyPass understands it is all but confirmed that the world’s number 26 team fulfils the necessary off-field criteria, which include certain requirements around venues, age-group sides, media commitments and budgeting – to warrant a place in the Rugby Europe Championship
Hitt was appointed head coach of Poland in August 2021, the Welshman leading them out of the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy in his first year in charge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poland won five of their first six matches under him but the step up in standard in the Rugby Europe Championship was always going to be challenging for his team and they only won one of their 10 matches in 2023 and 2024.
Before his current role, Hitt had stints coaching the German and Wales 7s teams as well as working for the WRU as a rugby development officer.
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
22 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
22 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
44 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
44 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
44 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to comments