Saint-Andre set for France role

Toulon rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre looks set to succeed Marc Lievremont as France coach after the upcoming World Cup.

Club president Mourad Boudjellal is resigned to losing Saint-Andre in October, but spoke of his pride after Les Bleus came calling to his club.

“If things go as expected, it’s him who will take charge of the France team after the World Cup,” Boudjellal told Midi Olympique, the newspaper which broke the story yesterday.

“It’s good news for Philippe and a great source of pride for the club. The problem will be finding a new coach in the middle of the season.”

Midi Olympique reported yesterday that Saint-Andre’s elevation to the national team role will be confirmed at a press conference on Thursday.

Current incumbent Lievremont has long since decided not to seek a new contract after the conclusion of the World Cup in New Zealand, and is not surprised by the early identification of his successor.

Questioned on the issue by L’Equipe, he said: “It’s been in place for a while.

“It doesn’t shock me, absolutely not, that the Federation have communicated on this subject.”