Has this ever happened before?
Be a shame to lose him from the reffing pool, I think he's very good. Certainly better than many of his countrymen that seem to get international fixtures. Guess Altrad's willing to pay him more than the FFR.
https://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/transfer ... tory.shtml
Translation nicked from reddit
TRANSFER - The international referee has agreed to join the staff of the MHR as defence coach for the next two seasons. He will end his refereeing career at the age of 34.
According to our information, Alexandre Ruiz will be a full time coach at MHR next season. Director of rugby Philippe Saint-André has found the final piece of the puzzle for his next staff. Olivier Azam (forwards), Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (general movement), will be assisted by New Zealander Bruce Reihana, currently at Bristol and fluent in French, who will be in charge of footwork and skills, and current international referee Alexandre Ruiz, in charge of defence.
Benjamin Delmoral, currently at Lyon, will be in charge of physical preparation. Alexandre Ruiz will end his refereeing career on 30 June. He is one of the referees likely to officiate at the Top 14 final. At 34 years of age, the man who has already coached Sète (honor) and Cognac (then in Fédérale 1), by passion wanted to take the step for several weeks.
In charge of the defence
He told Olivier Azam about it when he came to the MHR as part of the preparations for the Challenge Cup semi-final and final matches. During the sessions, he had advised the players on the discipline to be maintained in this type of match. This time, refereeing will not be his only field of competence. He will be in charge of Montpellier's defence under the authority of PSA.
Alexandre Ruiz, like all the other members of the staff, has committed himself until June 2023. Saint-Andre will be in charge of a group of technicians who will be responsible for helping the club return to the top of the Top 14. President Mohed Altrad has already set out the roadmap for next year: the Top 14 finals and if possible the Champions Cup.