Toulon Sporting Director Philippe Saint-Andre insisted he was focusing on the Top 14 side, after it was revealed he is set to replace Marc Lievremont as France coach after the World Cup.

Sources close to the French Rugby Federation told AFP that the former France captain was in line for the national coaching job which he lost out on to Lievremont when the latter was appointed after Bernard Laporte stepped down following the 2007 World Cup.

But Saint-Andre, 44, said he regretted the premature announcement and added he was concentrating on Toulon's season opener against Biarritz on Saturday.

"Concerning my future you will know more during a press conference which will take place in the next 48 hours or next week," said the former France wing.

"For the moment I'm trying to be as focused as possible on the match against Biarritz and my squad. The Toulon public deserve a good start to the Top 14 season.

"I would have preferred that it hadn't come out in the press on Monday, that there was less of a media frenzy regarding this but that's life unfortunately, the hazards of professional sport.

"I'm trying to deal with this situation with as much transparency and openness as possible whether it be with my president, who for the moment, has been exceptional, my staff and my players," added the 69-times capped Saint Andre - who made his name as a coach at English side Sale.

The timing of the announcement has proved an unwelcome distraction with the French squad set to fly out to New Zealand for the World Cup next Monday.

Lievremont, however, refused to comment on the news.

"Of course it's out of the question that I comment on the nomination of my successor before it has become official, but in any case I thank the FFR president for keeping me posted on the evolution of the dossier for the outset."

Lievremont, who has had a mixed reign landing the 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam but also suffered crushing defeats away to Argentina last year, a record home defeat by Australia and an historic Six Nations defeat by Italy this year, had announced in May last year he would not extend his present contract.

AFP