Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been appointed France’s director of rugby league as the nation prepares for its assault on the 2021 World Cup.
Robinson, who used to coach French team Catalans Dragons before taking over at the Roosters, will join forces with Laurent Frayssinous who has been named France’s head coach.
Frayssinous succeeded Robinson at the Dragons in 2013 and he will take over from Aurelien Cologni, who has been sacked after five years as coach.
Robinson, 43, will combine the role for France with his job as an NRL coach.
The shake-up follows the election of new president Luc Lacoste, who admits the appointments represent a bold move.
“Certain mistakes from the past have required us to make some hard choices,” Lacoste said on Monday.
“We want them to be daring and nevertheless realistic.”
He said the French team will now move into a “decisive period”.
“With the sole objective to bring honour to our colours during the next World Cup in England.”
Lacoste is especially delighted with the commitment shown by Robinson, a fluent French speaker who is married to a French woman.
Robinson played for and coached Toulouse before moving to Perpignan to coach the Dragons.
“His experience at a very high level should allow the French team to grow quickly and soon find themselves in the top five of the world elite,” Lacoste said.
“His involvement is a credit to the French team and its ambitions.”
The 2021 Rugby League World Cup will be held in England between 16 teams, including Australia.