The rugby world is abuzz with the latest coaching carousel drama, and Richard Cockerill is at the center of it all. The former England assistant coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, is a hot commodity, and clubs are lining up to secure his services. But here's where it gets interesting: Benetton Treviso has thrown their hat into the ring, emerging as a serious contender against Brive for Cockerill's signature. And this is the part most people miss—Treviso's entry into the race could completely shake up the coaching landscape.
Treviso, currently sitting 11th in the United Rugby Championship (URC) table with 21 points, is on the hunt for a new head coach after Callum MacRae announced his departure to join Dan McFarland at Newcastle Red Bulls. Meanwhile, Cockerill, 55, has been on the lookout for his next challenge since his unexpected exit as head coach of Georgia and the Black Lions before Christmas. Since then, he's been linked to several high-profile roles, including a potential reunion with Stuart Lancaster at Connacht as a scrum coach. However, those talks fizzled out early.
The real shocker came when Cockerill emerged as the frontrunner for Brive’s head coaching position after they failed to poach Joe El-Abd from England’s coaching setup. Brive, a Pro D2 side, is in transition, with sporting director Pierre-Henry Broncan set to take over Cockerill’s former role with Georgia at season’s end. But Treviso’s interest adds a new layer of complexity to this saga.
Here’s the controversial part: While it was widely assumed Cockerill would focus on opportunities in England, such as Gloucester or Harlequins, he’s instead looking abroad. This raises the question: Is the English rugby scene missing out on one of its most experienced coaches? Or is Cockerill simply seeking a fresh challenge outside his comfort zone? His fluency in French, honed during his two-year stint at Montferrand (now ASM Clermont Auvergne) from 2002 to 2004, certainly makes him an attractive candidate for French clubs like Brive. His previous head coaching roles at Toulon in 2017 and Montpellier in 2023 further bolster his credentials.
Treviso’s mid-season break ends soon, with a match against the Dragons on February 28, but their off-field moves are just as intriguing. By entering the race for Cockerill, they’ve not only disrupted Brive’s plans but also signaled their ambition to climb the URC ranks. But here’s the burning question: Can Treviso outmaneuver Brive and secure Cockerill’s signature, or will the French side’s appeal prove too strong? What do you think—is Cockerill a better fit for Treviso’s URC ambitions or Brive’s Pro D2 aspirations? Let us know in the comments!
