Our profiles of the new directors of rugby in the European Rugby Challenge Cup continue with Castres Olympique’s Mauricio Reggiardo. Where is he from? The former Argentina prop arrives from Agen, where he was head coach for two seasons and forwards coach in 2016/17. What is his previous coaching experience? The 49-year-old started coaching in 2005 at SC Mazamet, where he ended his illustrious playing career in 2006, having been a stalwart for Castres between 1996 and 2005, and won 50 caps for Argentina. In 2007 he returned to Castres as forwards coach, but the following year the Argentinian federation needed his expertise in a similar role for the Pumas and he served his country as forwards coach until 2013. Reggiardo was then placed in charge of Argentina’s young coaches for two years – until Castres called on his services as a consultant in the 2014/15 season. At the end of that campaign he was appointed director of rugby at Albi and stayed there for a season, before moving to Agen. Who will be in his coaching team? Patrick Furet (forwards) and Stéphane Prosper (backs) will be Reggiardo’s coaches next season. The Argentine brought Prosper from Agen, while Furet’s previous club was Dax. What does he think of his appointment? “I feel as if I’ve never left. Castres is like my family. This club occupies a big place in my life. I’ve never lost contact with my friends here or even with the club. I’m happy [to be back] but also a little afraid. Above all, though, I’m very proud to return to a club that shaped me as a man.”