Sir Clive Woodward, who guided England to their 2003 World Cup triumph, is reportedly on an eight-man shortlist to replace Philippe Saint-André as the next head coach of France, reports The Telegraph.
The French newspaper L’Equipe claims that Woodward has expressed his interest in the job, which will become vacant when Saint-André steps down after the World Cup in October, to the French Rugby Federation.
L’Equipe claims Woodward met French rugby chiefs at their Marcoussis headquarters last month, where he formalised his interest in the role.
Guy Novès, the Toulouse head coach, remains the favourite while former France captain, Wasps and Saracens hooker Raphaël Ibanez is also a strong contender.
But Woodward, who was head coach of England between 1997 and 2004 and also oversaw the ill-fated Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005, is the only candidate mentioned in the report with experience as an international head coach.