Exclusive: Jerome Daret Wins Coach of the Year, Credits France Men’s 7s Team for Unparalleled Success

In November, Jerome Daret, the former France Men’s 7s coach, was awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year title during a ceremony in Monaco. While Daret is now serving as the Manager of the France Men’s 7s team, this award, he insists, is a reflection of the collective effort of the entire squad.

Winning Coach of the Year

“Winning the award was huge for me. However, I must commend the players—this award was not for me but for the entire team,” Daret said in an emotional reflection on his win. 

“The boys had a good mindset throughout the entire season. Really, this award is for them," 

It’s clear that Daret attributes his success to the dedication of his players, emphasizing their teamwork and attitude as key elements behind the team’s triumph.

Stiff Competition for Coach of the Year

Daret’s win was a notable achievement, especially given the fierce competition he faced from high-profile coaches such as Rassie Erasmus, Scott Robertson, and Andy Farrell. However, the public reaction to his victory, particularly in the context of rugby’s 15s format, was mixed.

“Rassie is a very good coach. People were naturally expecting him to win, given the performance of his team this season,” Daret acknowledged. “But I feel like we deserved it. We won both the 7s series and the Olympic title. It was important for 7s to get recognized.”

Daret also took the opportunity to praise World Rugby’s decision to honor 7s as a major component of the sport, signaling an evolution of recognition within the rugby world.

Cape Town 7s: A Tournament to Remember

France’s journey to the final of the Cape Town 7s was a highlight of the season, despite a tough 26-14 loss to the home side, South Africa. Reflecting on the tournament, Daret said, “We have a new team, a new coach, and a number of young players. I am happy and proud of how they played. It was a very successful tournament for us.”

He also acknowledged the passionate support South African fans gave their team, adding, “The people are dramatic and support their team massively. We have huge respect for the South Africans and the 7s they play.”

Antoine Dupont: 7s Player of the Year

One of the standout contributors to France's success was Antoine Dupont, who was named 7s Player of the Year. Dupont’s arrival in the 7s program midway through the season proved pivotal, and his experience and leadership played a significant role in their victories in the 7s series and Olympic titles.

“Antoine brought a lot of confidence and experience, with a high-performance background,” Daret explained. “We were missing something, and when he joined the team, he brought the right attitude and energy.”

“Thank you to Antoine for his contribution,” Daret continued. “He took this team to the top. He is one of the best players in the world.”

A Successful Chapter for France Men’s 7s

Looking back on the year, Daret’s pride in his team is evident. The success of the France Men’s 7s program—culminating in the 7s series title, Olympic gold, and strong performances at events like the Cape Town 7s—has undoubtedly solidified their standing in the global rugby scene.

Daret’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the dedication of his team, the emergence of new talent, and the growing recognition of the 7s format in the rugby world.