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PARIS - The French coach of Italy's rugby team, Pierre Berbizier, has sent a "come and get me" notice to his former employers at the French national setup.
However Berbizier admitted that his "free spirit" nature could go against him if he was to be ever considered for the job.
France coach Bernard Laporte is set to give up his post after the World Cup having recently been appointed as the next sports minister by President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Berbizier, who took France to the World Cup semifinals during his first spell in charge in 1991-95, today said he would be ready any time to take over 'Les Bleus'.
"I would always be available for the France team," said Berbizier, who has made Italy one of the most solid, if not most successful, teams in the Six Nations competition since taking over in 2005.
"For me, the France team is something special, something particular. I don't think I would ever be able to say no to France."
Berbizier, who has announced he will end his spell with Italy after the World Cup, added however: "I'm a realist, and I don't adhere to any of the systems under which French rugby is played.
"I'm a free spirit, and sometimes people like me inspire fear. I don't think I will be asked (to coach France)."
Laporte has been in the job since 1999, and has since led the side to three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
France exited the 2003 World Cup after a semifinal defeat to England, who went on to beat Australia in the final.
- AFP
