Lievremont named France coach
Former France flanker Marc Lievremont takes over from Bernard Laporte
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Wednesday, 24, Oct 2007 09:14
Former international flanker Marc Lievremont has been named as Bernard Laporte's successor as coach of France's rugby team.
Lievremont will be helped by former France winger Emile Ntamack, who will coach the backs, and Didier Retiere, who will coach the forwards.
Bernard Lapasset, who is about to leave his post as president of the French Rugby Federation to become president of the International Rugby Board, backed Lievremont's appointment wholeheartedly.
He said: "A page has just been turned with the World Cup and we want to write a new one with these three men.
"What we liked about Marc Lievremont is that he is modest, perceptive and competent."
However Serge Blanco, president of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), was upset that a comprehensive review had not taken place following the World Cup.
"I don't know why the LNR was not consulted about this," said Blanco.
But Lapasset claimed that all the possible candidates had been carefully considered and that many expert opinions had been taken into account before appointing Lievremont.
He said: "These nominations are part of a four-year plan. This is not an individual choice but a long-term project and was discussed with the other coaches of professional rugby teams."
Lievremont won 23 caps for France between 1995 and 1999 and has had success as a coach guiding minnows Dax into the French top flight.
Although Laporte has left to join the French government as junior sports minister, Jo Maso will remain as team manager and work alongside Lievremont and his new coaching staff.