'The English are methodical': Stade Francais and Paul Gustard in fresh talks

Stade Français have opened talks with head coach Paul Gustard about extending his stay in the French capital after overseeing a remarkable transformation in the club’s fortunes.

The former Harlequins and Leicester Tigers boss joined Stade from Benetton in June 2022 as defence coach, a role he had previously held with Saracens and England.

In October 2024, he was promoted to head coach following Karim Ghezal’s departure and guided them to safety, finishing 12th, one point clear of Perpignan and the relegation play-off.

Last season, they finished third behind Toulouse and Montpellier, who beat them in the play-off semi-finals, picking up 79 points, 33 more than the previous campaign.

Gustard, 50, is under contract at the Stade Jean-Bouin until 2027, with an option for another year until 2028. Director of Rugby Thomas Lombard told Midi Olympique that they want him to stay.

“He is indeed under contract until 2027, with an option for an additional year. We have entered into discussions. The idea, obviously, is to continue and to make things official as soon as possible,” he said.

“There is a mutual desire to do so. That said, we need to find the right terms and send a message to his staff, the players, the fans, and the entire club to get everyone on board.”

Lombard says that Gustard’s time at Saracens as a player and a coach has left a lasting impression, and he is now trying to put into practice in Paris what he learnt in North London.

“The English are methodical. An Englishman, especially one with Paul’s pedigree, can bring a great deal to us Latins. Paul has specific processes he wants to implement,” he added.

“It’s an open secret, but I believe his time with the Saracens left a lasting mark on him. These are systems that work – systems that have been proven. The question is: how do we implement them in France?

“Because simply replicating them doesn’t work. Eventually, you hit a limit. That limit lies in the nature of the French player and the need to preserve our identity.”