Trent Robinson will spearhead France's Rugby League World Cup campaign as hopes of the tournament going ahead this year received a huge shot in the arm.
The Sydney Roosters mentor was confirmed as France's rugby league director on Tuesday, with Laurent Frayssinous to take over as head coach.
Robinson has a history with the French game.
He is married to a French woman and has previously taken the Roosters to the country after a two-year stint as Catalans coach at the start of his career.
Robinson took Catalans to the English Super League finals in 2011 and 2012, before Frayssinous took on the role on Robinson's move to the Roosters.
France did not win a game at the 2017 World Cup, despite being the second-highest ranked nation in Europe.
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."
Robinson's appointment came as organisers saw a light at the end of the tunnel in England.
Britain's path out of lockdown was revealed on Monday, with the aim of having stadiums back open by the time the tournament begins in October.
Fans have been absent from sporting events in the country since last March, except for a brief period in December when crowds of up to 4000 could attend.
RLWC organisers have previously indicated they would consider postponing the tournament by a year rather than playing it behind closed doors due to financial difficulties.
"We are greatly encouraged by the roadmap for the return of spectators to sports stadia," RLWC boss Jon Dutton said.
"We recognise that there are still challenges ahead, but we very much hope that this tournament ... will play a part in the nation's pandemic recovery plan."
Australian Associated Press
