Toulon director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre will take the reins of the French national team after next month’s Rugby World Cup, according to reports.
The former Sale Sharks coach will replace Marc Lievremont, who guided the squad to the 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam.
An official announcement is rumoured to be scheduled for later this week, but Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal confirmed this week that Saint–Andre would make the switch to national rugby.
“If things go as expected, it's him who will take charge of the France team after the World Cup,” Boudjellal told Midi Olympique.
“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.”
Former winger Saint-Andre won 68 caps for France, scoring 152 points.
He guided Sale to the Premiership title in 2006, before moving to Toulon in 2009.