French Women's Rugby Team Boosts Coaching Staff Ahead of Six Nations

François Ratier has been appointed head coach of the French women's rugby team, succeeding Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz after their three-year leadership that ended with a fourth-place finish at the World Cup in England. In a strategic move to enhance the team's performance ahead of the Six Nations Tournament, Ratier has reinforced the coaching staff by bringing in Gérald Bastide and Florent Wieczorek as assistant coaches.

Gérald Bastide, who previously worked with the men's national team under Fabien Galthié, will be responsible for defense and backline skills. Meanwhile, Florent Wieczorek, formerly the forwards coach at US Montauban and a consultant at Bath in England, will focus on improving the team's offensive play, structure, and set pieces. Wieczorek's appointment follows a challenging stint at Montauban where he stepped down after unmet expectations.

Ratier expressed confidence in the newly formed coaching team, citing their solid experience and high-level rugby expertise as vital for advancing the women’s squad. The reinforced staff aims to prepare the team thoroughly for their Six Nations opener against Italy on April 11 at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.