Baber to leave Cardiff Met for French side Nice

During his playing career, Gareth Baber earned a Blue for Oxford University's rugby team

Gareth Baber will leave Cardiff Metropolitan University to become head coach of Nice, the Welsh side announced.

Cardiff-born Baber, 52, led Fiji to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and silver at last year's showpiece in Paris - losing 28-7 to hosts France in the final.

He is now set to take up a role with the ambitious French side - who are currently bottom of the Pro D2, the second tier of rugby in the country.

Baber said: "With over 500 student players involved and performance teams competing at the highest levels at Cardiff Met Rugby, we've created an environment that supports excellence on and off the field. That legacy is something I'm really proud of.

"@stadenicois is an ambitious and exciting project, and I'm looking forward to playing a part in shaping its future.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to put my vision into practice in a professional environment, and I'm proud to take this next step."

Former scrum-half Baber had spells with clubs including Pontypridd and Dragons during his playing career.

Prior to taking up the role with Welsh Rugby Union Premiership side Met, he worked as assistant attack and skills coach at United Rugby Championship outfit Edinburgh having previously coached at Cardiff.

Cardiff Met said: "It's been a privilege to have Gareth as part of the Cardiff Metropolitan University family, and we're thrilled to see him embrace this exciting new adventure with Nice Rugby."