Worcester Warriors have announced the appointment of South African Omar Mouneimne as the club’s new defence and kicking strategy coach.
The South African, who has a wealth of experience at the top level and has been working with Stade Français in Paris, has been assisting as a consultant at Sixways but will make a permanent move to the club at the start of next season.
Simon Cross now becomes breakdown coach while the arrival of Mouneimne sees him reunited with former colleague Gary Gold, whom he spent time alongside at Super Rugby outfit the Sharks.
Mouneimne began his coaching career back in 2006 with South Africa’s Sevens team in the World Series before moving to Super Rugby side the Stormers in 2008, helping them reach the 2010 Super 14 final.
He also worked with Western Province as they reached the semi-finals of the Currie Cup in 2009 and the final in 2010, while the U21s and U19s both won their competitions.
In 2010, Mouneimne moved into international rugby as defence coach of Italy where the Azzurri beat defending champions France in 2011 for the first time ever in the Six Nations.
A spell at Edinburgh followed as he helped them reach the European Challenge Cup final in 2015 before a stint at Lyon in the Top 14.
In his short time working alongside Gold at the Durban-based Sharks, Mouneimne helped them reach the quarter-finals of last year’s Super Rugby, as they boasted the fewest points conceded and the second-fewest tries conceded out of all 18 teams in the competition.
“Omar is someone I’ve worked closely with at the Sharks and has a great deal of knowledge and experience at the top level within the game,” said Gold.
“His defensive structures will certainly be of benefit to us and his efforts at Sharks resulted in the team being one of the top defensive sides in the 2016 Super Rugby competition.”
Mouneimne added: “I’m looking forward to getting started at Warriors and to help Gary and his team push up the Premiership table.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to work alongside a talented young squad.”
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