Bernard Charreyre was the man Romania turned to in their hour of need, the Frenchman given the unenviable task of regaining national pride after the 134-0 defeat by England at Twickenham in November 2001.
The 53 year old was appointed two months after this defeat and repaid that faith by leading Romania to the European Nations Cup title with an unbeaten record and automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2003 that same year.
Charreyre, who combines his role with that of Technical Adviser to the Languedoc region of France, is an experienced coach, having started out with Racing Club’s juniors, second and first teams before coaching Asptt Paris in the late 1980s.
Technical Adviser to the Ile de France region between 1989 and 2001, Charreyre enjoyed great success on the international scene by leading both the French Students and French Under 19 team to World Cup victories in 1996 and 2000 respectively.
Nicknamed “The Little Napoleon” by the Romanian players for the passion and professionalism with which he goes about his job, as a player Charreyre won the French Junior Championship with USAP Perpignan in 1969 and spent 14 years with Asptt Paris.
Charreyre also represented the Ile de France region.