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France's defence coach tempted by England

Article Published: Saturday 27 March 2010

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Grand Slam champions France's defence coach Dave Ellis says that he would be interested in working for England - but only after the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Martin Johnson's back room staff have come under immense pressure after England failed to win the Six Nations again and slipped from second place to third.

Englishman Ellis has now returned to his day job at London Irish after helping France win their third Grand Slam of the decade.

Ellis who is orginally from Yorkshire and with a background in Rugby League he has been involved with France since 2000 when he was 'hired’ by former France coach Bernard Laporte.

In his time with France he has helped France reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Having reached the Semis twice now Ellis wants to reach the final in 2011 and then admits that working with England could be tempting.

"People have asked why France? And my answer is that the French were the first nation to ever give me an opportunity," Ellis told the Telegraph.

"Bernard Laporte asked me to work with him in 2000 and I worked for nothing because he didn’t have a budget.

"I backed myself for a year and he took me on board, so I’ve always been loyal to France. "
 
"But I’m a very proud Englishman and if some way down the track, the telephone call came, I would certainly consider it.

"I wouldn’t do it before the 2011 World Cup, though, because I am loyal to France and have given my word."

"I’m working with the coaches because they wanted me to work with them and I enjoy it. I feel obliged to stick with them to 2011. But anytime after that, why not?"

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