As speculation mounted in the days before Christmas 2017 over the future of Guy Novès as France coach, ESPN asked me to write this piece detailing the swirling rumours.
Jacques Brunel is expected to replace Guy Novès as head coach of France as early as next week, according to reports in the French press.
FFR President Bernard Laporte said a formal announcement will be made on Wednesday, December 27, but it is widely believed patience has run out with Novès, who has endured a torrid run as coach of the national side, winning just seven matches in his 22-game tenure since taking over from Philippe Saint-Andre after the 2015 World Cup.
James Harrington: Freelance sports journalist 