Latest news with #GarethBaber
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh rugby coach lands head coach job at big-spending French club
Welsh rugby coach lands head coach job at big-spending French club The former Cardiff coach has his sights on turning around the French club who have big financial backing Former Fiji sevens coach, Gareth Baber Welsh coach Gareth Baber has been named as the new head coach of French second-tier side Nice. The 52-year-old will leave his current role as Director of Rugby Systems at Cardiff Metropolitan University to join the ambitious French club - who are currently bottom of the Pro D2 - at the end of June. Baber previously led Fiji to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at last year's games in Paris, while he has also held coaching roles at Cardiff and Edinburgh. He had been linked with the Nice job in recent days but the move has now been confirmed, with the Cardiff-born coach relishing the "fantastic opportunity" that awaits him in France. Despite Nice's recent struggles, the club has big financial backing and plans to make a number of big name signings, with Taulupe Faletau among their targets. They have already recruited stars like Fiji skipper Waisea Nayacalevu, former Wales fly-half Owen Williams and ex-Springbok No.8 Uzair Cassiem. Article continues below 'I'm incredibly grateful for my time at Cardiff Met," he said as his exit was made official. "It's been a role that's really pushed me to reflect on how to build high-performing teams and create the kind of environment where people can truly thrive, and that's something I'll take with me into this next chapter. I've built relationships here that I'll always value. "Nice Rugby is an ambitious and exciting project, and I'm looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future. It's a fantastic opportunity to put my vision into practice in a professional environment, and I'm proud to take this next step.' On what he is leaving behind, he added: 'Cardiff Met Rugby is in a strong position. With over 500 student players involved and performance teams competing at the highest levels, we've created an environment that supports excellence on and off the field. Article continues below "That legacy is something I'm really proud of. We continue to plan for next season and beyond. I'm excited to see the continued growth and success of Cardiff Met rugby.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Baber to leave Cardiff Met for French side Nice
Gareth Baber will leave Cardiff Metropolitan University to become head coach of Nice, the Welsh side announced. Cardiff-born Baber, 52, led Fiji to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at last year's showpiece in Paris - losing 28-7 to hosts France in the final. He is now set to take up a role with the ambitious French side - who are currently bottom of the Pro D2, the second tier of rugby in the country. Baber said: "With over 500 student players involved and performance teams competing at the highest levels at Cardiff Met Rugby, we've created an environment that supports excellence on and off the field. That legacy is something I'm really proud of. "@stadenicois is an ambitious and exciting project, and I'm looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future. "It's a fantastic opportunity to put my vision into practice in a professional environment, and I'm proud to take this next step." Regions in jeopardy unless WRU deal is signed Davies, Cuthbert and Hibbard on Wales' Lions woes Evans 'disappointed' at Wales' Lions quota Former scrum-half Baber had spells with clubs including Pontypridd and Dragons during his playing career. Prior to taking up the role with Welsh Rugby Union Premiership side Met, he worked as assistant attack and skills coach at United Rugby Championship outfit Edinburgh having previously coached at Cardiff. Cardiff Met said: "It's been a privilege to have Gareth as part of the Cardiff Metropolitan University family, and we're thrilled to see him embrace this exciting new adventure with Nice Rugby."
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Baber to leave Cardiff Met for French side Nice
Gareth Baber will leave Cardiff Metropolitan University to become head coach of Nice, the Welsh side Baber, 52, led Fiji to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at last year's showpiece in Paris - losing 28-7 to hosts France in the is now set to take up a role with the ambitious French side - who are currently bottom of the Pro D2, the second tier of rugby in the said: "With over 500 student players involved and performance teams competing at the highest levels at Cardiff Met Rugby, we've created an environment that supports excellence on and off the field. That legacy is something I'm really proud of. "@stadenicois is an ambitious and exciting project, and I'm looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future. "It's a fantastic opportunity to put my vision into practice in a professional environment, and I'm proud to take this next step." Former scrum-half Baber had spells with clubs including Pontypridd and Dragons during his playing to taking up the role with Welsh Rugby Union Premiership side Met, he worked as assistant attack and skills coach at United Rugby Championship outfit Edinburgh having previously coached at Met said: "It's been a privilege to have Gareth as part of the Cardiff Metropolitan University family, and we're thrilled to see him embrace this exciting new adventure with Nice Rugby."
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh coach set to take French club job and famous Welsh team concede 100
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh coach set to take French club job and famous Welsh team concede 100 The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond. Gareth Baber reportedly has a new club. (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Your rugby evening headlines on Saturday, May 3. Welsh coach gets new gig Welsh rugby coach Gareth Baber has reportedly agreed to join Stade Nicois ahead of the new season, according to L'Equipe. The former Fiji Sevens coach previously played for Bristol and Dragons before moving into coaching, and will now aim to guide Nicois to promotion. He'll be supported by backs coach Barry Maddocks and forwards coach Emiliano Bergamaschi. Current Ospreys and Wales fly-half Owen Williams is also joining, along with former Scarlets and current Bayonne number eight Uzair Cassiem. Baber led the Fiji Sevens side to glory at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which was followed by a short stint working with United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby. Baber also previously worked at Cardiff Metropolitan University as Director of Rugby Systems. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Gareth Anscombe enters talks with new club Wales international Gareth Anscombe has entered talks with Bayonne ahead of next season, according to RugbyPass. Article continues below The 33-year-old fly-half is leaving Gloucester at the end of the current campaign and had been linked with moves to Leicester Tigers and Provence Rugby, with the latter being where ex-team-mate George North plays. Gloucester have signed Ireland international and Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne ahead of the new season, and he'll be partnering up with Tomos Williams in the half-backs in 2025/2026. Bayonne are favourites to sign Anscombe due to the fact veteran Camille Lopez is hanging up his boots at the end of the season. Currently on the books at the French club are former England star Manu Tuilagi and ex-Scarlets man Cassiem. Nigel Owens makes return Nigel Owens made his return to refereeing on Saturday afternoon. The legendary official picked up the whistle again as Lampeter RFC took on London Welsh in a 150th anniversary match. Writing on social media ahead of the game, the Welshman said: "BREAKING NEWS: I'm back. After 4 years I am picking up the whistle again tomorrow for a special 150 years anniversary celebrating Lampeter RFC in their match versus London Welsh. Hope the legs will last the 80 mins." It was a glorious day at Lampeter RFC's North Road fields with spectators lining the touchline. Owens and the players were welcomed onto the field by youth players as supporters clapped and took pictures of the famous referee. The final score was 60-24 to Welsh, who played the second half with a side comprised of second and third-string players. The club described it as a "great day for all to celebrate" and it was "great having Nigel back from retirement for it as well." The last time Owens refereed a match was France v Italy in the autumn internationals five years ago, which was also his 100th Test as a referee. Since putting down the whistle, Owens has worked as a mentor for new WRU referees, as well as a World Rugby expert. He spends much of his time on his farm out in west Wales. Neath hammered 105-0 by Merthyr Neath were put to the sword by champions Merthyr on Saturday afternoon, finishing 105-0. It was the last game of the WRU Premiership season for the two teams, and was a jaw-dropping 66-0 at half-time. Merthyr ran in their tries with ease at The Wern and didn't take their foot off the gas in the second half. A total of 16 tries were scored by Merthyr, with one of those a penalty try. Neath went into the game in third place, but suffered the full wrath of the leaders. Article continues below The newly-crowned champions' performance paid testament to the fact they've lost only two games all season. They clinched the title with a 48-24 victory over Brecon recently, with Pontypridd's defeat to Ystrad Rhondda contributing to their glory.
