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Noves' interest in France job causes uncertainty at Toulouse
ESPN Staff
May 11, 2015
Guy Noves
Guy Noves© AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD

Toulouse boss Guy Noves says is relationship with the club's president is still solid despite his interest in the soon-to-be vacant France coach post.

Noves is seen as one of the three front-runners for the France job when Philippe Saint-Andre leaves the post on November 1 in the aftermath of the Rugby World Cup. Noves is on a shortlist that features Bordeaux-Begles boss Raphael Ibanez and ex-Montpellier coach Fabien Galthie.

The French Rugby Federation hopes to name Saint-Andre's successor in late May but the drawn out process is frustrating Toulouse president Jean-Rene Bouscatel.

"This is starting to get heavy," Bouscatel said. "I'd like to know as soon as possible."

But despite the uncertainty, Noves is adamant the relationship is still cordial. "I understand his impatience, I just want things to work out well for Toulouse," Noves, 61, told AFP. "I have total confidence in my president, we've been working together for 22 years and there are strong emotional ties. I think he trusts me, I trust him."

Noves was heavily linked with the France job in 2011 but he turned it down to focus on Toulouse. If the attraction of the post proves too much this time around then Toulouse are already looking at potential successors. AFP reports Bouscatel has met with six candidates including ex-Toulouse player and current Albi coach Ugo Mola.

© ESPN Staff

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