Mallett denies departure from Stade Francais

STADE FRANCAIS coach Nick Mallett yesterday dismissed suggestions he is to leave the club, and insisted that he is fully focused on Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final with Munster at Thomond Park.

Mallett had been linked with Welsh side Gwent Dragons, who are currently under the stewardship of former Irish lineout coach Mike Ruddock.

Dragons owner Tony Brown had admitted interest in acquiring his services as a replacement for new Wales coach Ruddock. Said Mallett: “I don’t speak to owners of clubs. My agents do.”