Toulouse legend Guy Noves to take charge of French national team after World Cup

A club legend is finally taking his talents to the international game

Guy Noves has been confirmed as the next coach of the French national team and will replace Philippe Saint-Andre at the conclusion of this year's World Cup. The 61-year-old, who won seven France caps as a player, has spent his entire 22-year coaching career at Toulouse, where he has won an unprecedented ten Top 14 titles and four European Cups. Noves topped an eight-candidate field for the role, which included former England World Cup winner Clive Woodward, to succeed the unpopular Saint-Andre, and is a surprise choice having turned down the role before Saint-Andre was appointed four years ago. French union FFR confirmed that Noves would take over in November and make no moves in the interim to interfere with Les Bleus' World Cup preparations. "I am very happy and proud of this appointment. Being France's head coach and representing my country is a great honour and a great responsibility," Noves said. "I am the first supporter of the French national team and I wish them with all my heart to have a great World Cup." Noves could leave Toulouse on a high in the next fortnight as they face Clermont this weekend in the Top 14 semi-finals.