**Welsh Rugby Coach Gareth Baber Takes Helm at Ambitious French Club Nice**
Gareth Baber, a well-respected figure in Welsh rugby coaching circles, has been confirmed as the new head coach for Rugby Club de Nice, the French side currently competing in the Pro D2 league. Baber’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for the team, which has found itself languishing at the foot of France’s fiercely competitive second tier. His appointment signals an intent from Nice’s backers to spark a revival and pursue loftier ambitions in French rugby.
The 52-year-old coach, whose career boasts an Olympic gold medal with Fiji’s sevens side in Tokyo and further honours including a silver at the Paris Games, will transition from his current post as Director of Rugby Systems at Cardiff Metropolitan University this summer. As the season draws to a close, Baber is preparing to say farewell to the institution where he played a significant role in nurturing young rugby talent, both on and off the pitch.
Despite Nice’s troubles in recent campaigns, their financial resources and intent to invest suggest a desire for rapid progression. Baber’s arrival is expected to be complemented by a string of high-profile signings. Already, the Côte d’Azur club has attracted notable talent such as Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu, former Wales fly-half Owen Williams, and ex-South Africa international Uzair Cassiem. There are even suggestions that Wales veteran Taulupe Faletau could be among those targeted in the forthcoming recruitment drive.
Speaking as his departure from Cardiff Met Rugby was confirmed, Baber expressed both gratitude and excitement at the prospects ahead. “My time at Cardiff Met has been incredibly rewarding,” Baber reflected. “I’ve learned a great deal about building resilient and high-performing teams, and about fostering an environment where individuals can truly fulfil their potential. Those experiences will prove invaluable as I take on this new challenge in France.”
The Welshman was also quick to underline the collective achievement at Cardiff Met, pointing to a thriving rugby environment featuring over 500 student athletes and teams regularly performing at elite university level. “It’s reassuring to know the programme is in a strong place going forward,” he commented, expressing pride in the legacy he leaves behind.
For Rugby Nice, Baber’s appointment is seen as a vital step in an ongoing strategy to elevate the club’s profile and performance. The team is backed by significant financial investment, with the board committed to assembling a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the French Top 14 in future seasons.
Baber’s coaching resume is distinguished and varied. As well as guiding Fiji to international sevens glory, he has held senior coaching roles at Cardiff as well as at Edinburgh, demonstrating an ability to adapt to diverse rugby cultures. Such international experience is likely to stand him in good stead as he endeavours to turn around the fortunes of a side under pressure but full of potential.
His new project in southern France presents both challenges and opportunities. The passionate rugby community in Nice will be hoping Baber can instil a fresh sense of purpose, and that his reputation for developing high-quality sides translates to success at the professional club level.
As the countdown begins to his official start at the end of June, Baber’s move has generated considerable interest across rugby communities in Wales, France and beyond. Many will be eager to see how his leadership impacts the trajectory of a club looking to move out of the doldrums and into a new era of achievement.
For now, as he bids farewell to Cardiff Met, Baber leaves behind an impressive legacy in Welsh university rugby and steps into perhaps the biggest test of his coaching career yet—a test that promises to be watched closely on both sides of the Channel.