Franck Azema to step down as Clermont head coach at season's end

Clermont head coach Franck Azema has announced that he will step down from his position at the club at the conclusion of the current season.

Azema has been at the club for 11 seasons – serving first as an assistant coach to Vern Cotter before taking over the reins in 2014.

“While he had two years of contract left, Franck Azema chose to give it up by asking to be released from his commitment at the end of this season,” the club said in a statement.

Under Azema’s mentorship, Clermont fared well, winning their second French championship title in 2017 and reaching two other finals.

In addition to this, Clermont competed in European Champions Cup finals – in 2015 and 2017.

“Since Franck’s decision is to embark on a new project, for personal reasons, it is in no one’s interest to block the situation and waste time,” said club president Jean-Michel Guillon.

“We have full confidence in Franck’s total commitment in the coming months and know that he will be keen to close this Clermont chapter in the best possible way by adding a new line to the club’s honours board,” said Guillon.

Azema, 49, is apparently set to take the helm at Montpellier where Philippe Saint-Andre is temporarily in charge.