Two names on French shortlist

French rugby chief Bernard Lapasset has confirmed there are two stand-out candidates in the running to replace Bernard Laporte as head coach of the national team.

Laporte's eight-year tenure came to an end on Saturday night following Les Bleus' 14-9 defeat to England in the World Cup semi-finals.

The likes of Sale Sharks coach Philippe Saint-Andre, Toulouse boss Guy Noves, Stade Francais' Fabien Galthie and Biarritz coach Patrice Lagisquet are believed to be among the favourites to take over.

Lapasset admitted the French Rugby Federation (FFR) were looking at two names in particular.

'There are two,' he said. 'There are two possible candidates that the national team can go with.'

Lapasset said last week that a successor to Laporte would be named within three weeks of the conclusion of the World Cup, the final of which is being played next Saturday.

Laporte is leaving his post to take up a role as minister for sport in President Nicolas Sarkozy's French government.