France green-light second World Cup for Fabien Galthie

It's a decision that some national unions have come to regret in the past, but France have given Grand Slam-winning head coach Fabien Galthie a full four-year, post-Rugby World Cup extension.

All things being equal, Galthie will lead France in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

France won the Six Nations for the first time in 12 years by beating England 25-13 to complete the Grand Slam on Saturday. It marked the next step in France's evolution under Galthie, who took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup and led the team to second-place finishes in the past two years.

Now the FFR have given him the biggest vote of confidence he could have hoped for, with a four year extension, regardless of what happens when Les Bleus host the flagship tournament next year.

“It’s done. It’s going to be extended until 2027,” FFR vice-president Serge Simon said.“When you are lucky enough to have something that is so obviously right, you have to keep hold of it.”

Galthie played 64 times for France and captained the side to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2002 and also led them at the 2003 World Cup. Laporte is now president of the French Rugby Federation and no doubt the previous relationship between the two men has played a part in the new arrangement.

additional reporting AAP