But with Lievremont out of a job since guiding France to the World Cup final two months ago it has been widely speculated that the 43-year-old, who won the 2010 RBS 6 Nations with France, will take over at USAP.

Lievremont spent nine years of his playing career at the Stade Aime Giral and with Philippe Saint Andre now in charge of the national team it would present a new challenge for the maverick coach.

But it certainly wouldn’t be an easy ride for Lievremont as Perpignan have made a woeful start and currently sit 11th in the table with only four wins on the domestic front so far this season.

Elsewhere, Montpellier fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc, overlooked by Lievremont for much of the World Cup, scooped the award for Top 14 player of the year.

The 25-year-old was rewarded for his pivotal role in guiding Montpellier to the Top 14 final last season but spent the majority of France’s surprise run to the World Cup final watching on from the bench.

Lievremont opted for Morgan Parra at fly-half as the tournament progressed and it is the Clermont Auvergne halfback that Trinh-Duc succeeds as Top 14 player of the year.