England World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward will not become France boss after it was confirmed Toulouse legend Guy Noves has been chosen.
Woodward, 59, was reportedly on a shortlist of eight candidates to replace Philippe Saint-Andre, who will leave after the World Cup in November.
Noves, 61, will take on the role after 22 years in charge at Toulouse.
He has won four European Cups in that time and could still add an 11th national title this season.
Toulouse progressed to the semi-finals of the Top 14 play-offs with victory over Oyonnax on Saturday.
BBC Sport’s Chris Jones |
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Noves has been one of the leading coaches in French rugby for some time, and many will argue his appointment is long overdue. But considering how poorly the French team has performed over the past few years, changing the approach completely and choosing a foreigner with experience of international rugby – such as Woodward or former South Africa coach Jake White – must surely have been a temptation for the FFR. |
Noves was selected through a secret ballot at the French Rugby Federation (FFR) headquarters on Friday, which was the first time this mode of selection was used.
Former France captains Raphael Ibanez and Fabien Galthie were also thought to be candidates, alongside Woodward.
However, it is believed there is a chance the FFR may still offer an alternative role to Woodward, who led England to World Cup success in 2003, possibly in a consultancy capacity.
