Exeter Chiefs have confirmed former Bristol Bears defence coach Omar Mouneimne will join the club ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The experienced South African will link up with the Devon club for the start of pre-season training in mid-July and take responsibility for the defence, arriving at Sandy Park following a two-year stint at Bristol.
Mouneimne's appointment comes following controversy around his exit at Bristol a week before the end of the regular season with reports from The Telegraph that senior players had confronted him over claims he was secretly using a fake Twitter account to criticise Bears head coach Pat Lam. Mouneimne fully denies any involvement.
Lam said earlier this week that he will announce his full coaching staff ahead of the start of pre-season on July 4.
With over 15 years’ experience, Mouneimne – who takes over the role from previous incumbent, Julian Salvi – has previously worked at club level with the Stormers, Kings and Sharks in South Africa, Edinburgh in Scotland, Stade Francais in France, as well as Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears in England.
He also enjoyed two seasons working at Test level with the Italian national team between 2009 and 2011.
Discussing the appointment, Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said he believes a fresh voice within the playing group can really assist the Chiefs, on and off the field.
“I wanted to get a bit of a change in vibe in the coaching room, as well as the actual tactics and techniques we would be using,” said Baxter. “I’ve known Omar around the Premiership for a few years now and knew he was available, so I met up with him and had a very good meeting.
“From that meeting, I got a good feel for his energy and the way he talked. It’s quite interesting when you see a guy jumping to his feet to describe things defensively in the middle of a café, that infectious energy can rub off, so I’ve asked others who have worked with him in the past about his work and the effects he’s had on players and had a lot of good feedback.
“Omar’s already come in for a coaches’ meeting and from the things I’ve heard about him and the things I’ve seen, which includes the various stats around defence, you can see the teams he works with improve considerably in that area.
“He has a lot of experience, whether it be club level or at international level, which I think will be very important to us. Having a fresh voice for the players, whether it be in the way he talks or the way he challenges them, it will be good to have that little something different.
“Also, the way he works around the contact area is something we do need some specialist coaching in as well. It’s an area where we have dropped off a little, but I think he can come in and really re-energise and revitalise us.”
Commenting on his move to the Chiefs, Mouneimne said: “I am truly honoured to be joining a club of Exeter’s stature. They are one of the standard-bearers in terms of rugby, not just here in England, but across Europe too. Having the chance to be part of Rob Baxter’s coaching set-up is truly something special and I feel I will learn so much from the group they have here at the club.
“Having spoken in detail with Rob, Ali Hepher and the other coaches, I’m excited at the challenge that lies ahead. This is a club that are used to winning every game and reaching finals. They are ambitious, they are exciting and, most importantly, they are winners.
“I’ve no doubt that I will add to my experience and my coaching philosophies by coming here. Anyone who knows their rugby knows that the Chiefs have an unbelievable culture, a work-rate that is second to none, and a playing group who expect so much from one another.
“The blueprint they have created over the years certainly works, but like with everything you have to move with the times and you have to add bits and pieces. That’s what Rob has said to me, he wants me to come in and use my experience and help add something to the whole process moving forward.”
