James Coughlan takes temporary charge of Top 14 strugglers Toulon

Coughlan, who joined Toulon as defence coach from Top 14 rivals Brive in the summer, takes over two days after Sunday's 39-6 loss at Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle

James Coughlan at Toulon's training ground. Picture: Simon Lewis

Former Munster back row James Coughlan has taken temporary charge of first-team affairs at Top 14 strugglers Toulon after embattled head coach Patrice Collazo left the club.

"Rugby Club Toulonnais and Patrice Collazo have decided, by mutual agreement, to put an end to their collaboration," the Top 14 club said in a statement, released on Tuesday afternoon, two days after Sunday's 39-6 loss at Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle which cemented their second-from-bottom position in the table after a third of the season.