Finally it's official: Brunel has added some extra staff to help France at the World Cup

Jacques Brunel is targeting a successful World Cup after the French federation finally officially confirmed his new backroom additions for the tournament in Japan. 

Brunel, who has struggled for results since taking over following Guy Noves’ sacking in December 2017, has added physical trainer Thibault Giroud and Fabien Galthie, his head coach successor following the finals, to the ticket for the Far East. 

“I’m determined and confident,” said Brunel ahead of a pool schedule where the French are lined up against Argentina, USA, Tonga and England. “I know it may seem paradoxical looking at the results of recent months. 

“Nevertheless, I know for having experienced these situations for a long time that in France we have the ability to switch quickly and change status quickly, especially since all teams will start on the same starting line. 

“We depend on trust and a state of mind that can change a lot of things. It will be necessary, through our preparation, with the contributions of the staff and perhaps of the new or different players, to create an enthusiasm which can bring us to conclusive results.”

? Confiant et déterminé, le manager-sélectionneur du #XVdeFrance a décidé d'apporter des changements à son staff en vue de la Coupe du monde au Japon. #RWC2019 #NeFaisonsXV

Son interview?? https://t.co/HyVUHiM2jm pic.twitter.com/UZo7wraWtb

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) May 7, 2019

Brunel sounded happy to have the brain of Galthie to pick in getting re-organised following a difficult Six Nations where they were heavily beaten by England and Ireland while they also threw away a healthy half-time lead at home to Wales. 

“Fabien is there to bring his vision. He already has some ideas, through our discussions and the videos that we have watched, of what he can bring and instil in this team. For the other members of the management, nothing changes. 

“To prepare myself better, I want to be able to benefit from the competence of Thibault and Fabien. I have a long collaboration with Fabien, whom I have known for a very long time. It started in Colomiers when I was training and we continued to see each other regularly. 

“I followed his coaching career from the beginning and that’s why I know he can bring us something by bringing a new eye… I often asked him to come with me but he could not do it at the time and now he is free to join me. I hope we will have a good time together.”