Mouneimne heads back to Europe

Recently re-appointed EP Kings defensive coach, Omar Mouneimne has parted ways with the team to take up a consultancy position at Lyon in France.


EP Kings CEO, Charl Crous, said he was disappointed in Mouneimne's decision to take up the consultation coaching position at Lyon in France, after having already made a firm commitment to the EP Kings.


"When Omar [Mouneimne] approached us last year, after leaving Edinburgh in Scotland for personal reasons, we were excited to have him back as part of our coaching structures,” Crous said.


Crous said Mouneimne had played a crucial role in the Southern Kings defence in the 2013 competition and the Kings were looking forward to his input with the preparations for the 2015 Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup seasons, as well as in the build up to re-entry into Super Rugby next year. Crous said, with this in mind, Mouneimne had entered into a multi-year contract with the Kings.


"Without going into detail, Omar had indicated that he was in the process of resolving the issues that had led to him leaving Edinburgh and returning to South Africa.


"Unfortunately those same issues have now resulted in his decision to leave the Kings and South Africa and take up the position in Lyon," he added.


The CEO stated the Kings were in consultation with their attorneys with respect to the existing contract with Mouneimne and were considering pursuing their legal options.


He was positive that Mouneimne's departure would not impact the team's performance during the Vodacom Cup competition and said the Kings are in discussions with potential candidates to take over Mouneimne's role as defence coach.