Japan to axe coach Elissalde over club row

Japan's rugby coach Jean-Pierre Elissalde is set to be axed over his involvement with French club Bayonne, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) said yesterday. JRFU officials were angered by Elissalde's decision to take over as Bayonne's general...

Japan's rugby coach Jean-Pierre Elissalde is set to be axed over his involvement with French club Bayonne, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) said yesterday.

JRFU officials were angered by Elissalde's decision to take over as Bayonne's general manager without consulting them and will confirm his sacking later this week.

Japan have little time to appoint a new coach with the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2007 World Cup beginning in Sri Lanka in November.

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