FORMER Jerrabomberra coach Phil Hopkins has been busily plying his trade over in south-west France with Club Athletique Periguex Dordogne.
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After being demoted from the second division in the French rugby system to the fifth, the club lost seventeen of its core players and faced a rebuild. But rising from the ashes, CA Periguex has had a perfect start to the season, remaining undefeated heading into the Christmas holiday hiatus and leading the table by a mammoth 14 points.
Hopkins attributed the team's success to its infallible work ethic, strong attack and adoption of the wide, expansive style of running rugby favoured by their coach.
"Because we attack early we catch most teams out defensively, the team's fitness is also great and their work ethic and discipline at training cannot be faulted," Hopkins said.
"I'm working with many talented players and there is a great blend of young and experienced talent in the team.
"We have a very strong defence and a lethal counter attack that runs the ball with speed, we play a very much up-tempo rugby, such as the Brumbies of old."
Hopkins said that the French rugby system had been an eye-opener, and had contributed to his development as a coach, but he is still looking to return home to the area in the future.
"[I am] loving the club and people here in Periguex who have made me feel so welcomed," Hopkins said.
"It will be hard to leave as I am enjoying it so much but hopefully doors will open in the future for me to return to my home in Jerrabomberra and coach a John I Dent Cup Team."
