Clive Woodward has shown his intention to replace Philippe Saint-Andre as head coach of France, according to reports in the French press.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory in 2003, is on an eight-strong shortlist of candidates to replace Saint-Andre after this year’s World Cup.

Toulouse’s highly-decorated boss Guy Noyes, the coach who has won more European titles than anyone else, remains the front-runner to replace former Sale and Toulon chief Saint-Andre after the autumn’s World Cup.

L’Equipe claim Woodward met France rugby bosses at their Marcoussis headquarters last month, where he formalised his interest in the role.

Former Leicester centre Woodward coached England from 1997 to 2004 overseeing the World Cup triumph in Australia in 2003.

After leading the British and Irish Lions on a Test-whitewash tour of New Zealand in 2005, Woodward joined the British Olympic Association, leaving shortly after the London 2012 Olympic games.

France head coach Saint-Andre has come under fire for not just a mediocre record of 15 wins in 37 Tests but also a pragmatic gameplan at odds with Les Bleus’ traditional free-spirited attack.