France sack coach Guy Noves five weeks before Six Nations opener with Ireland

Not exactly ideal preparation ahead of the Six Nations.

France have parted ways with coach Guy Noves and replaced him with Jacques Brunel, the French Rugby Federation confirmed on Wednesday. Les Bleus have struggled enormously under Noves' tutelage, managing just seven wins from 21 games during his two years in charge. It's the first time the FFR have replaced a coach midway through his contract for the first time since the game turned professional. Former Italy coach Brunel has been named as his successor. The 63-year-old has left his role with Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles to take up the position, with his contract taking him through to the 2019 World Cup. The news comes just five weeks before France entertain Ireland in their Six Nations opener in Paris on Saturday, 3 February. https://twitter.com/Rugbyworldmag/status/945976361298128896