Umaga's first mission accomplished

In his debut season as a coach, Tana Umaga has accomplished his first mission in securing Racing Club de Toulon promotion to the Top 14.

In his debut season as a coach, Tana Umaga has accomplished his first mission in securing Racing Club de Toulon promotion to the Top 14.

The relief on Umaga's face was palpable at the final whistle of Toulon's top-of-the-table show down with Racing Métro on Sunday. A 31-17 victory on the penultimate day handed Toulon the ProD2 title and secured them a place amongst France's elite next year.

Toulon's performance over the weekend was arguably their best of the season, which Umaga feels was the end result of months of work.

“We've put in a lot of work this year, as much as we could. We can't say that we had a lot of help. We've counted on ourselves and only ourselves. We had our future in our hands and were able to do something,” said the former All Blacks captain.

The season was by no means easy for the star-studded Toulon squad as their 'celebrity' players were called mercenaries on many occasions. Winning the titles has been the best reply to the critics.

“In any profession, one needs to travel to find work and it's what certain players did in coming here. But what is good is that they've really understood how the club and the town function and their history. We've also been lucky enough to have been very well hosted by the people of Toulon, which makes things much more pleasant.

Seeking promotion for Toulon in his first season as a coach was no mean feat for Umaga.

“[I don't regret] anything. It was a very good year. I've been lucky and I'm really happy today.”

Umaga left the field after the final whistle on Sunday and club Chairman Mourad Boudjellal went to fetch him from the changing rooms. Upon his return Mayol Stadium erupted in applause and cheering for their coach.

“It was a bit embarrassing. It was the players that should have been applauded, not the staff. They were the ones on the field who won us this championship. We're just here to accompany them, like everyone else.”

Umaga has grown accustomed to the impressive atmosphere at Toulon.

“I've been here for eight months now. But it's true that today (Sunday) was special. It was even more electric than usual. It adds something extra to our joy.

When asked whether he would be Toulon's coach next year, Umaga was his usual bashful self.

“I hope so, you should ask the boss,” he replied, referring to Boudjellal who had just told the press at the post match conference that Umaga's appointment had been confirmed.

“That's great! I'll be able to sign my contract soon then,” Umaga said jokingly, in French, before acknowledging that the hardest was yet to come.

“We've only taken one step towards our objective, which is not simply to move up to the Top 14 but to stay there. That won't be easy. We'll have to continue working very hard. I hope we'll get better.

Umaga will once again be able to count on a helping hand from his President's cheque book since Boudjellal has indicated that he intends to sign no less than that fourteen new players for next season.