Former Ulster, Ireland and Lions lock Jeremy Davidson has stepped back from his role as head coach of Castres.
Davidson is due to leave the French club at the end of the season, however, he has agreed to allow his assistant Xavier Sadourny to assume full control of the team with immediate effect.
Davidson will remain with Castres, working with the club president in an advisory role, before he plots his next move.
Following Castres’ Champions Cup pool win over Munster last month, Davidson spoke of his desire to one day return to Ireland, but he felt he needed to have “more credibility” to his name.
That said, Davidson has forged a strong reputation in France and is likely to have plenty of offers for next season.
Castres currently sit in eighth place of the Top 14 table, and they return to Champions Cup action at home to the Bulls on Saturday night.
A club statement regarding Davidson’s position read: “At his request, Jeremy Davidson will occupy a new, more transversal role until the end of the season, that of advisor to the president, Pierre-Yves Revol, for the club’s sports development.
“Xavier Sadourny is therefore taking on the responsibility of head coach a few months early.
“For his part, our President highlighted Jeremy’s significant contribution to the club’s sports policy since his arrival and therefore acceded to his wish to take a step back from the field.”
Davidson explained the thinking behind the coaching reshuffle, which is now in place.
“I preferred that Xavier have all the responsibilities from now on so that everything runs more smoothly, so that he can prepare for the future now,” the Belfast native said.
“Xavier knows that he can count on me if needed. I have a special attachment to this club and I will finish my mission here with total commitment.”