Poland Parts Ways with Head Coach Christian Hitt After Winless Campaign

Poland’s Rugby Union has announced the departure of head coach Christian Hitt following a disappointing Rugby Europe Championship campaign that saw the team finish without a win.

Hitt, a Welshman, took the helm of the Poland national team two and a half years ago and led them through a challenging period in international rugby. Despite his efforts, Poland ended up in the last position in both editions of the Rugby Europe Championship they competed in, raising concerns about potential relegation to the Rugby Europe Trophy.

In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Hitt expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Polski Związek Rugby (Polish Rugby Union) and reflected on the achievements and challenges faced during his tenure. He highlighted the progress made by the players and staff, particularly in transitioning the squad and fostering individual and collective growth.

However, with the union opting for a different direction, Hitt acknowledged the end of his journey with Poland and expressed optimism about his coaching future. He thanked the players and staff for their contributions and looked forward to the next chapter in his career.

The departure of Hitt comes amidst uncertainty about Poland’s future in the Rugby Europe Championship, with the possibility of relegation looming. The winner of the Rugby Europe Trophy for the 2023-24 season will replace Poland, and Switzerland currently leads the standings as the top contender for promotion.

Hitt’s tenure with Poland saw mixed results, with initial success in the Rugby Europe Men’s Trophy followed by struggles in the Championship. Despite the challenges, Hitt’s coaching experience, including previous roles with the German and Wales 7s teams, underscores his potential for future opportunities in the rugby world.