Bernard Goutta named Morocco rugby head coach

French coach Bernard Goutta has been appointed as the new head coach of Morocco’s men’s national rugby union team, the Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) has announced.

The appointment of Bernard Goutta, a prominent figure in French coaching circles, is part of the Federation’s strategy to develop rugby union and prepare the national XV for upcoming Arab, African, and international competitions, the governing body said in a statement on Sunday.

With extensive experience in modern rugby union and a strong knowledge of Moroccan rugby, which he has followed closely, particularly during the Atlas Lions’ training camps and warm-up matches in France, Goutta will be tasked with leading the national team, helping players progress technically, physically, and mentally ahead of forthcoming African competitions, and contributing to Morocco’s bid to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, the same source added.

Bernard Goutta spent most of his playing career with USA Perpignan as a back-row forward. He holds the club record for appearances, with 298 matches, and captained the side 112 times. He also represented the French national team.

After a distinguished playing career, he moved into coaching, beginning on the Perpignan bench from 2007 to 2012, before joining Colomiers Rugby from 2012 to 2017. Between 2017 and 2021, he was in charge of the forwards at ASM Clermont Auvergne alongside Franck Azéma, before coaching SU Agen in 2022 and 2023.

In 2024, he took over at US Carcassonne, leading the club to the French Nationale championship title in 2025 before ending his collaboration with the side last May.