'Speedy Gonzalo' returns to Argentina as Jaguares coach

Thu, Aug 9, 2018, 1:38 AM
AFP
by AFP
Gonzalo Quesada will be the new Jaguares coach. Photo: Getty Images
Gonzalo Quesada will be the new Jaguares coach. Photo: Getty Images

Gonzalo Quesada ended his 20-year exile in France on Wednesday when the former Stade Francais fly-half and coach agreed to join Jaguares in his native Argentina as coach to succeed Mario Ledesma who has taken charge of the national team.

"I have accepted this challenge for emotional reasons; if it was for economic conditions then I would have stayed in Europe," said the 44-year-old.

"It was the right moment to return to Argentina and share my experience. It's a great adventure which I want to live to the full."

Former Argentina flyhalf Gonzalo Quesada during the 2003 World Cup. Photo: Getty ImagesAs well as Stade Francais, Quesada played for Narbonne, Beziers, Pau and Toulon in France.

He coached Stade between 2013-2017, leading the Paris club to the 2015 Top 14 league title and the European Challenge Cup.

At Jaguares, Quesada will have his work cut out for him after Ledesma took the franchise to the Super Rugby quarter-finals last season in their best ever performance.

He also needs to recruit a new fly-half after star Pumas playmaker Nicolas Sanchez agreed a move to Stade Francais.

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