The next leader of French rugby will not be a foreign one after French amateur clubs decided against appointing a non-French coach, the BBC report.
Jacques Brunel, the current head coach of the national side, is set to leave his role after the World Cup later this year.
Numerous foreign coaches, including Warren Gatland, Sir Clive Woodward, Vern Cotter and John Mitchell were reportedly on the French federations shortlist for the future position.
However, following the French amateur clubs referendum, 59% stated they would not support a foreign-based coach to lead the national outfit.
France federation president Bernard Laporte admitted shortly after the result that he will ‘respect’ the decision and will announce Brunel’s successor before the World Cup starts in Japan on September 20.
Gatland, who will leave his role as Wales head coach after the World Cup, has continued to be linked with the England head coach position to replace Eddie Jones.
