Australian coach Lane confirmed as Lyon manager

LYON , France (AFP) –

Australian rugby coach Rod Macqueen (centre) holds up the Webb Ellis trophy flanked by assistants Tim Lane (left) and Jeff Miller after the Rugby World Cup 1999 final on November 6, 1999 in Cardiff. Lane has been appointed manager of French second-tier rugby side Lyon.

Experienced Australian coach Tim Lane was appointed manager of French second-tier rugby side Lyon on Saturday, the club announced.

The 53-year-old – who was backs coach in Australia’s 1999 World Cup winning side – signed a two-year contract with the option of an extra year.

He will officially take over on July 1.

Lane – who also had a spell as backs coach with the Springboks – replaces Xavier Sadourny, who is set to join the coaching team at Top 14 and European Cup title-chasing outfit Clermont.

Lyon have had a disappointing season under Sadourny despite possessing a budget of 15 million euros, the largest ever in ProD2.

However, lying 6th in the table with three matches remaining they can still claim a place in the promotion play-offs if they finish fifth and join already promoted Oyonnax in the Top 14.

Lyon, who were relegated from the Top 14 last season trail fifth-placed Aurillac by two points.

Lane – who was capped three times at centre for the Wallabies – has previous coaching experience in France.

He coached Clermont from 2000-01, and both Brive and Toulon but only for several months in 2006 and 2007 respectively.