The Parisian club took everyone by surprise this Tuesday by announcing the arrival of Rory Kockott as a player! The former Castres scrum half had hung up his crampons in June 2022 to join the staff of the Tarn club after twelve seasons as a player. Following several injuries, he had however taken a seat on the bench during two European meetings in December 2022.
The former international (born in South Africa but naturalized French, he has 11 caps with the XV of France in 2014 and 2015) is hired as a World Cup joker. That is until the end of November).
Stade Français Paris “counts on the experience and professionalism of No. 9 to make a successful start to the season during the World Cup period, justified the Parisian club in a press release. The double champion of France will join us on Monday.
“At first, one of our recruits in the position, Brad Weber, will join us only after the end of the World Cup because of his contract which binds him to the New Zealand Federation. Also and unfortunately, in this pre-season, we recorded the temporary injury of one of our other recruits, Hugo Zabalza (between 4 and 6 weeks depending on the medical service, editor’s note). In this position, we have identified a need to strengthen ourselves because only Jules Gimbert and Thibault Motassi (18 years old, Center de Formation) are available today and, in case of problems, we needed cover for our first three games ( a trip to Perpignan followed by receptions from Oyonnax and Montpellier, editor’s note)”, added Paul Gustard, acting head coach while awaiting the arrival of Laurent Labit after the World Cup.
“Rory was available, competitive and he wanted to take on the challenge. We are very happy with his arrival, ”summarizes the English technician from Stade Français Paris. Another member of the staff, Morgan Parra, is perhaps less cheerful, the meeting of these two strong characters is likely to make sparks …
