Jacques Brunel named new France head coach after Guy Noves sacked
Wednesday 27 December 2017 14:44, UK
France have sacked head coach Guy Noves after two years in charge, with Jacques Brunel replacing him.
Noves took over from Philippe Saint-Andre following the 2015 World Cup but presided over just seven wins in 21 Tests.
Former Italy coach Brunel has signed a contract to take him up to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Brunel has been in charge at Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles and will leave the club after their game against Stade Francais on Saturday.
French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte said Brunel will be assisted by "a pool of five or six" Top 14 coaches.
Noves becomes the first France head coach to be sacked and leaves with the worst record of any of his predecessors.
France's poor form was highlighted in the recent November internationals, where they lost to South Africa, twice to New Zealand and drew 23-23 with Japan in their final game.
France begin their Six Nations campaign in five weeks' time when they host Ireland on February 3.
