France coach Bobby Goulding has confirmed that he will see out his contract until 2013, despite an offer to resign.

The 39-year-old suggested that he would step down from his position after France's 38-18 loss to England Knights on Saturday.

The former St Helens and England scrum-half has since held talks with French rugby officials and confirmed that he will see out his contract until February before discussing new terms.

"The Federation made it clear they didn't want me to resign," he said.

"They want me to carry on and I have their full backing. We had a real good chat and we also had a team meeting and the players want me to stay.

"I'm going to see out the next three games and we'll then sit down and talk about a new contract to the 2013 World Cup if everything is agreed."

France take on England's senior side in Avignon on Friday.

Written by
Jack Prescott