RugbyRebels

Under-fire Guy Noves looked doomed on Thursday to become the first French coach axed before the end of his contract after media reports suggesting Bordeaux-Begles boss Jacques Brunel is being lined up to take charge before the start of the Six Nations.

French rugby federation (FFR) president Bernard Laporte is expected to dump Noves on December 27, just five weeks before Les Bleus face Ireland in their Six Nations opener.

Continues here: http://www.france24.com/en/20171221-und ... unel-media

It's official: http://www.rfi.fr/contenu/ticker/rugby- ... e?ref=fb_i

This stinks! Guy Novès, the best club coach ever in French rugby is the first one one to be sacked! Even when he took on the poisoned chalice that is the post of coach to the XV de France, he was on a hiding to nothing and it will be nothing short of a miracle if the results under Brunel (fine coach that he is) and his assistants are any better.

Like changing your underwear as a remedy for hemorrhoids, as we say in English.

Just read that Noves is the first French national coach to actually be 'sacked' from the position. Can that be right?

rowan wrote: ... Can that be right?

Yes

Well, this is France's worst run in the 5/6 Nations since being re-admitted in the 1950s, I believe. Still, I wouldn't be too surprised if they popped up in next year's World Cup final ...

rowan wrote: I wouldn't be too surprised if they popped up in next year's World Cup final ...

No chance, whatsoever!

Meanwhile, speculation Vern Cotter may leave Montpellier early to take over the reins at Wales ahead of next year's RWC: http://www.minutesports.fr/index.php/20 ... ntpellier/