Lievremont takes charge of France

Lievremont takes charge of France

October 25, 2007

FORMER international flanker Marc Lievremont has been appointed France coach, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced today.

Lievremont succeeds Bernard Laporte, who joined the government on Monday as a junior minister for sport. Laporte, in charge for eight years, had planned to step down after the World Cup which ended last weekend.

France finished fourth in the tournament after being knocked out by England in the semi-finals.

Lievremont, 38, won 23 caps between 1995 and 1999. As a coach, he has guided Dax back to the French first division. He will be assisted by former France winger Emile Ntamack and Didier Retiere, who will be in charge of the backs and forwards respectively.

The 37-year-old Ntamack made 46 appearances for France from 1994 to 2000. He and Retiere were the joint coaches of the France Under-21 side that won the world title last year.

Other names were considered, among them Sale coach Philippe Saint-Andre, Stade Francais coach Fabien Galthie and Toulouse coach Guy Noves.

France need to undertake a rebuilding process with several players, among them hooker and captain Raphael Ibanez, expected to retire from the international game.

The new coaching staff also need to define a playing style. Laporte faced criticism after France concentrated on defending and kicking instead of relying on their trademark flair during the World Cup.

Reuters