The French rugby XV has not been in such a parlous state for years: rated only 10th amongst leading nations the search for success has led to former Toulouse legend Guy Noves losing his job this week.
Failure to mount any realistic challenge in the Six Nations in recent seasons, plus an autumn series of internationals showing the team's paucity made the decision inevitable. Oddly, the reason given for the sacking is "serious misconduct", which Noves contests, saying no details have been provided.
He has been replaced by Jacques Brunel, previously of Auch and Perpignan plus having been a selector for Italy.
Rumour has it that Noves's days were numbered when his arch-rival Bernard Laporte was elected as head of the French rugby federation and only an excuse was needed to fire the Toulousain. Brunel will be "assisted" by other Laporte acolytes, notably Fabien Galtier.
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