Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara is set to become part of France's Rugby World Cup campaign.
According to French publication Midi Olympique, O'Gara has signed up as a defensive coach on a short-term appointment between July and the end of the Japan tournament in early November.
The 42-year-old's contract with the defending champion Crusaders expires at the end of this season, freeing him up to join 'Les Bleus' in time for their World Cup preparations.
France are fresh off a woeful Six Nations where their defensive frailties were brutally exposed, in particular by England in a 44-8 demolition at Twickenham.
O'Gara will play an advisory role with existing defence coach Jean-Marc Bédérède in an attempt to solve some of those issues.
Prior to his Crusaders position, he previously spent four years at Paris-based club Racing Metro, where his primary focus was on defence.
Newshub.
