France need a new head coach for the 2013 World Cup after parting company with Bobbie Goulding.
Goulding leaves after three years with Les Bleus
France are looking for a new head coach for the 2013 World Cup after parting company with Bobbie Goulding.
The former St Helens scrum-half has been in charge of Les Bleus for three years but the French Federation have opted not to renew his contract.
Goulding, who took over after France's disappointing 2008 World Cup campaign, had a turbulent spell in charge.
A 12-11 home European Cup defeat by Wales in 2010 cost them a place in the Four Nations Series, and Goulding offered to resign after his side lost to the England Knights last month.
However, Goulding was persuaded to see out his contract and, after watching his side push England all the way in Avignon, finished his tenure on a high by guiding France to a 34-16 victory over Ireland in Limerick earlier this month to win the European Championship.
Tribute
French Federation president Nicolas Larrat paid tribute to Goulding for restoring spirit in the national team but said it was time for change.
In a statement, Larrat said: "There were certainly a lot of positives during the three years of Bobbie Goulding's tenure.
"The France team has found a true team spirit and meetings against England in the Four Nations in 2009 and recently in Avignon have demonstrated this fact.
"With Bobbie Goulding, a milestone was reached and the French rugby league should be grateful. However, in order to develop further over the next two years, we have decided to choose another coach."
The Federation plan to announce a successor early in the New Year.
