Delpoux moving in on Perpignan

Marc Delpoux moved a step closer to taking over as coach of ailing Top 14 giants Perpignan when he announced he was stepping down as manager of newboys Bordeaux-Begles.

The 48-year-old - who captained Perpignan in the early 1990s - bowed out in the best possible manner as his side overwhelmed Stade Francais 39-6 to consolidate their mid-table status.

Bordeaux-Begles President Laurent Marti made the announcement but would not be drawn as to his replacement with among others being mentioned former France captain Raphael Ibanez.

"Marc Delpoux is leaving us soon. Marc has participated in the development of the club, but he prefers to leave for another project which I totally understand," said Marti.

"That is the nature of professional rugby, when I hired Marc he was unemployed, and we gave him his chance.

"He has evolved in extremely favourable conditions, in a healthy atmosphere and a well-balanced club, in a town that wasn't supportive in our bad moments and who supported us in our good ones."

For his part Delpoux, who coached Calvisano to the 2008 Italian title, said that it broke his heart to leave and refused to confirm whether Perpignan would be his next destination.

"That is certainly the rumour doing the rounds," he said.

"I had the privilege this year to have several contacts regarding a job.

"It is for me to finalise my new destination in the coming weeks."

AFP