Rugby World Cup
Departing France coach Philippe Saint-Andre calls for change
PA Sport
October 18, 2015
New Zealand 62-13 France (Australia only)
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Outgoing France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has warned French rugby must change if the national team is to be successful again.

Saint-Andre's four-year reign as France coach ended in humiliating fashion on Saturday night as New Zealand romped to the biggest-ever World Cup quarterfinal victory with a 62-13 triumph in Cardiff.

The former Gloucester and Sale Sharks coach was booed by angry Les Bleus fans during his post-match television interview but he insisted problems run deep in French rugby and that structural changes are necessary for France to flourish.

Philippe Saint-Andre © Richard Heathcote - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Toulouse coach Guy Noves will take charge of France from next month but Saint-Andre said his successor will encounter the same difficulties which he believes have blighted his tenure.

"We need to realise at a high level that French rugby needs to bring something different to its organisation," Saint-Andre said.

"It's not my job to tell them [French Rugby Federation] what to do, that is their job.

"But we are in the same stage as English soccer.

"Our players play 40 games a year but New Zealand players play 25 games a year.

"That's not rugby, we are in a box."

© PA Sport

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