Former international flanker Marc Lievremont has been appointed France coach, replacing Bernard Laporte who stepped down at the end of the World Cup.

Laporte joined the government on Monday as a junior minister for sport after leading France to fourth in the World Cup.

He was in charge for eight years but his tenure finished on a disappointing note when they managed just fourth in the World Cup as hosts.

France, who lost to Argentina twice in the World Cup, were knocked out by England in the semi-finals.

They lost their pool game against the Pumas on the opening night of the tournament and then went down again in the third-place playoff.

Lievremont, 38, won 23 caps between 1995 and 1999. As a coach, he has guided Dax back to the French first division.

"A page has just been turned with the World Cup and we want to write a new one with these three men," FFR president Bernard Lapasset told reporters.

Lievremont was handed a four-year deal and will work together with Jo Maso, who stays on as team manager.

"What we liked about Marc Lievremont is that he is modest, perceptive and competent," Lapasset added.

"Marc Lievremont is a real player, a winner who never lets go and he knows the players in the French championship well," said Jean-Claude Skrela, the technical director of French rugby.

"He was the ideal candidate for what is a turning point for French rugby."

Lievremont will be assisted by former France wing Emile Ntamack (pictured right) and Didier Retiere, who will be in charge of the backs and forwards respectively.

The 37-year-old Ntamack made 46 appearances for France from 1994 to 2000. He and Retiere were the joint coaches of the France Under-21 side that won the world title last year.

Other names were considered, among them Sale coach Philippe Saint-Andre, Stade Francais coach Fabien Galthie and Toulouse coach Guy Noves.

After news of Lievremont's appointment, Saint-Andre said that he would one day like to coach the national side but insisted he was currently happy at Sale.

"I am very happy for him and I wish Marc all the best in his new role," said Saint-Andre.

"From my own point of view I would like to be Head Coach of France one day but I am happy with life at Sale Sharks. My wife and children are very happy living in Cheshire and at the club we have a good squad of players and great supporters.

"I am contracted to Sale Sharks until 2010 and am looking to help bring more success to this great club."

France need to undertake a rebuilding process with several players, among them hooker and captain Raphael Ibanez, expected to retire from the international game.

The new coaching staff also need to define a playing style. Laporte faced criticism after France concentrated on defending and kicking instead of relying on their trademark flair during the World Cup.

Terence O'Rorke / Reuters