Geoffrey Doumayrou set to join France staff after feud

Geoffrey Doumayrou is set to join Fabien Galthié’s France coaching staff, bringing a long-running dispute between the two men to an apparent close. The former centre will take charge of the defence during international periods while continuing his work at Montpellier.

Doumayrou, 37, won 13 caps for France between 2017 and 2019 and ended his playing career with Montpellier in 2024. He has coached the club’s defence since then and is expected to remain in that position. His agreement with France is planned to run through the 2028 Six Nations.

The appointment fills the vacancy left by Shaun Edwards, who was dismissed in June with two years remaining on his contract. Edwards has since taken a consultancy role with England’s women’s team. Doumayrou’s international release arrangement will follow the model used for Maxime Petitjean, who combines work with France and Toulon.

The reunion carries extra weight because Doumayrou and Galthié fell out in 2013, when Galthié coached Montpellier and Doumayrou played for Stade Français. Doumayrou left Montpellier the following year after their relationship deteriorated, and Galthié later declined to shake his hand before a match between the clubs. Stade Français won that game. Galthié is expected to discuss Doumayrou’s arrival on Canal+’s Canal Rugby Club.