Paul Tito has accepted a three-year deal to replace disgraced All Blacks star Carl Hayman as forwards coach of Top 14 side Pau.
The former Cardiff Blues second-row, a firm favourite with the Arms Park fans during his five-year stay in Wales, moved to the French club from Taranaki midway through last season to help out on the coaching front.
His deal was to run through to the summer, but with Pau having to dispense with the services of 45-times capped New Zealand prop Hayman at the start of 2019 following an altercation with some members of his squad, 41-year-old Tito has agreed to take on the job.
Tito was a massive hit at the Blues after arriving from New Zealand in 2007, bringing a hard-nosed Kiwi edge to the region and taking on the role of skipper.
The former New Zealand Maori, was never capped by the All Blacks but will have plenty of Kiwi experience with him at Pau next season.
He will join former All Black Conrad Smith, who is defence coach, and former New Zealand players Daniel Ramsey, Tom Taylor, Benson Stanley and Colin Slade.
All Blacks Ben Smith and Luke Whitelock will join the squad after the Rugby World Cup.
Tito said the coaching position at Pau was too good an opportunity to turn down telling NZ Stuff: “I’ve been offered a permanent position after going through a trial period with the club during the last season.
“I’m also able to take my family back with me to live in a great part of the world.
“I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty and growing as a coach.
“The game is a bit slower over there, they’ve got some big physical players and the lineout drive plays a big part of their game.
“Pau does not have the biggest forward pack and likes to play an open style. It’s how we can successfully balance it all will be the key to how we get the best out of the team.”
