INFO FIGARO.- The double world champion, who will hang up his crampons at the end of the season, wanted to stay in Toulouse in a coaching role. President Didier Lacroix reveals to Le Figaro that this future is “confirmed”. It remains to define precisely his position.
The New Zealand third row from Stade Toulousain revealed to RMC Sport earlier this week that he will end his career in June. “One hundred percent, this is my last year as a player, assured Jerome Kaino, who will be 38 in April. When you know, you know. I feel like I’m not going to get any younger even though I still enjoy playing rugby. But I think new players are coming and in particular a new generation looking to the future. I’m ready to hang up the crampons. ”
The two-time world champion also shared how he imagined his future. “I would love to train. And I would like to work with Stade Toulousain. Obviously, it’s a difficult time right now with the epidemic, but I told them of my interest in it. We talked about it with Ugo (Mola, the manager) and Didier (Lacroix, the president). I would be very happy to work with them. Because the club has been amazing for me and my family and I love my life in France. So if I can stay a few years learning French, I would like to stay… ”
“From the start, we have been interested in keeping the one I call “ the Boss ”“
Didier Lacroix
A desire shared by the boss of Stade Toulousain, questioned by the Figaro. “We were aware that this season would be his last on the pitch. So this is a proposal we made to him mainly. From the start, we have been interested in keeping the one I call “the Boss” “, smiles Didier Lacroix.
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The New Zealand third row joined Stade Toulousain in 2018 and since then has continued to impress his coaches and teammates. “He is a lord,” continues Lacroix. His aura, his natural authority, the influence he has with very few words, interest us. To be the launching pad for the exemplary nature of our young players, whether it is individual preparation or rigor. Jerome excels in terms of precision. It is also interesting by its global outlook on international rugby, the way in which we can evolve in our game. We will of course try to exploit, in the noble sense of the term, such a beautiful technical and human wealth. “
“For us it’s done, yes. Jerome will stay by our side“
Didier Lacroix
So it would already be acquired? “For us, it’s done, yes. He will stay with us. It remains to be seen how he will develop, what position will be clearly dedicated to him within our staff, details Didier Lacroix. There is a particular course, an unknown always, which is the passage from player to coach, how to switch from one to another. Already, Jerome is increasingly interested in certain areas of the game, particularly defense. We are going to put the foot in the stirrup of management or training and we will see what it is in the months to come. “
