Three-time Champions Cup winner joins coaching staff of Élite 1 hopefuls

Toulon legend Jocelino Suta has joined the coaching staff of Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée ahead of the 2026/27 AXA Élite 1 Féminine season.

Across a 13-year playing career the Vanuatu-born enforcer made 233 appearances for Toulon across a decade at the club, won three Champions Cup titles and earned six caps for France.

Suta came off the bench in the 2013 and 2014 Champions Cup Final successes against Clermont and Saracens, as a squad containing the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Bakkies Botha, Matt Giteau and Carl Hayman dominated continental club rugby. In 2015, Suta made seven tournament appearances as the club claimed a third title in a row.

The 43-year-old will be responsible for the forwards. Suta has previously worked with the academy of his former club, Toulon, and last season was on the coaching ticket of XV du Coudon in Fédérale 1 last season.

He joins fellow ex-Toulon forward Mickaël Ivaldi in being a member of Stéphane Beyt-Gamonet’s coaching staff with Toulon. Christine Gassiole has joined the club as defence coach this offseason, while 44-cap France centre Sandrine Agricole has been named as backs coach.

In their first season back in Élite 1, Toulon avoided relegation to Élite 2 as Stade Villeneuvois Lille Métropole dropped down a step on the league pyramid.

The recruitment of Suta is just the latest splashy signing by Beyt-Gamonet. Already this summer Toulon have signed versatile Springbok Women back Jakkie Cilliers after watching her performances against the USA Women’s Eagles in July.

The club have also signed former Wallaroos captain, Grace Hamilton, who comes to the Mediterranean with previous experience in the French top flight with Montpellier.

France Under-21 internationals Sueline Tavares Monteiro, Alixe Valence and Marilou Le Calvez have also joined the ambitious side. As has the USA Women’s Eagles’ Malia Isaacs and 27-year-old Brazil international Taís Prioste.