New Zealand's Warren Gatland has emerged as a candidate to replace Jacques Brunel as coach of the French national team, according to reports.
Gatland will leave his Wales post later this year, ending a reign highlighted by a Six Nations-record third clean sweep and a 2011 World Cup semi-final.
The 55-year-old has already been strongly linked with the Chiefs coaching role, while UK reports suggest he may replace Eddie Jones as England coach.
But now a move to France is an option.
French newspaper L'Equipe claims officials have contacted Gatland, as French Rugby president Bernard Laporte has permission to appoint a non-Frenchman as the coach of Les Bleus
The report adds that Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara may also join Gatland in their national set-up.
France have struggled under current coach Brunel, including three losses against the All Blacks in New Zealand last year and a shock defeat to Fiji in Paris.
After winning the Six Nations Grand Slam, Wales have risen to second in the World Rugby rankings this week.
Newshub.
