Aurélien Cologni, who joined Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB) less than six months ago, reflects on their Champions Cup final victory against Northampton (28-20) in CARDIFF. The former coach of France’s XIII team, a specialist in off-the-ball play, returned to his home in Villelongue-de-la-Salanque to prepare for the Top 14 season’s end, combining detailed analysis with on-field strategies.

Cologni’s Pre-Final Role: Analyzing and Preparing Players

Cologni detailed his responsibilities leading up to the final: “I have analyzed several key indicators in our opponents to guide targeted work. As an example, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who was facing tommy Freeman, we have prepared the scenarios of duels, in particular the UN against one. But also air duels. Freeman scored against the XV of France this winter (26-25) and we saw the situation with louis (Bielle-Biarrey). We worked with the rest of the team on English launches in their three-quarters. I made the players know what configurations would present themselves to them.”

I felt that it is not the end. They will re -mobilize, and a winter culture is being established

On-Field Adjustments and Player-Specific Improvements

Explaining his pitch-side presence during the match, Cologni said, “After discussion with Yannick Bru, we noted that a protocol had to be set up that allows replacements to enter the match faster. For three months,I have been preparing the replacements with static and dynamic phases. I stimulate their cardio system in a targeted way. These are small gestures that we repeat in the short term.”

Since arriving on December 2nd, Cologni’s work has been praised by players. “My mission since my arrival is to identify what the player has to improve. I do not work the same aspects with Jalibert, Bielle-Biarrey, Moefana or Lucu. I pointed out to Jalibert such as that he went up too quickly in defense and that he often found himself in imbalance on his heels, and he lost the collision. He tackled the impacts passively in relation to the position of his supports and his shoulders,” he explained.

Defense: More Than Just Tackles

When asked if he’s become a defense specialist, Cologni responded, “No, but what does that mean a good defense? A big tackle that brings the stage or all the preparatory work done before the collision? This work is essential and essential. To become a good defender, it is also necessary to close phases like that of the three against one, which can be reduced to a three against two, then to three against three. The defender’s work must be done so as to suffocate opposing offensive actions. Matthieu Jalibert is a good defender who continues to work all his situations as 10. The work upstream of Moefana is not the same, that of Buros and Depoorter either.”

He elaborated on his focus on the three-quarters and their defense: “This is an axis that we clearly diagnosed. My priority is the specific work in defense, but I validate first with them to find out if they adhere to what I have identified and what I offer them. I work a lot of defense with Maxime Lucu and, next year, we will work the attack so that it is indeed even more badly offensively around the ruck.”

Cologni also confirmed ongoing contract negotiations: “We are in negotiations for a two -year contract.”

Looking Ahead: Top 14 and team Culture

Addressing the team’s ability to refocus after the celebrations, Cologni stated, “I found the players very measured in the festivities. Yes, they are happy, but I felt that it is indeed not the end. They will re -mobilize, and a winter culture is being established, we feel it. And then, everything was not perfect on this final: I think of the fray and the balloons worn. In the state of mind, the staff and the players are turned out. As of Sunday evening, I started preparing the suite and specific things to work for everyone.”

he described the team’s welcome in Bordeaux: “Yes. It is in the line of France 98. The wait is enormous in Bordeaux, and we were prepared for that, on the extraordinary scale that this title would take. It’s something incredible to live. Everyone was acquired from the cause of this club becuase the city’s lung blows on the UBB. Finding yourself in the middle of 40,000 peopel,but in a course that has remained fluid and safe,is engraved forever for everyone.”