Ultimatum in Biarritz?

Slipping away: Biarritz's season has taken a dip

Following Biarritz's third away defeat this season, a 32-6 hammering at the hands of Clermont, it has been reported that the Basque club's top brass have given their coaches three matches to steady the ship, or face the axe.

According to French daily Midi Olympique Biarritz's coaching duo of Jacques Delmas and Jack Isaac have been given an ultimatum: shape up or ship out.

BO had expected more from the opening rounds of the season. Three wins - all at home - from six games just isn't enough for a club where talk of a "revival" has abounded and where ambitions of domestic and European trophies are in line with one of the biggest budgets in France.

Not only have recent results not been forthcoming, but the manner in which the Basques played while on the road has left much to be desired and has raised serious doubts around their ability to return to the top end of the Top 14 table. Consecutive defeats, first to lowly Dax and then to Clermont, saw Biarritz concede 62 points and seven tries.

After what seemed a promising start to the season, which included two wins in the opening two rounds, the recent hiccups have left the bosses worried and have resulted in a drop to ninth in the French championship standings,.

"We're not going to say that all is well after conceding four tries to nil," said club president Marcel Martin.

"Not a single bonus point so far: in that regard our season gets a zero mark. The intentions are good but we lack concentration.

"Since the start of the season, we've gifted our opponents far too many opportunities. Now it's up to the coaches, and especially the players themselves, to straighten things out. I continue to put my confidence in them."

The men on the field then need to convince their bosses, and their supporters, that they've left last season's bad habits behind them. It won't be an easy task though, as their next three matches are against more-than-worthy opponents.

This Saturday Biarritz host Montpellier, who have impressed this season and are lying fourth in the standings. Thereafter they kick-off their European campaign with clashes against Gloucester and Calvisano.

There is much work to be done yet for the former French champs.