The 41-year-old took the reins of Les Bleus in 1999 and has led them to three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams in 2002 and 2004.

He has now set the 2007 World Cup - to be contested between September 7 and October 20 on French soil - as his last challenge with the France team.

''One thing is sure, I will not be the national coach anymore nor will I take the reins of another club after the World Cup,'' he told French magazine Rugby.

Laporte is a former player with UA Gaillacoise and Begles-Bordeaux but was never capped by France.

As a coach he led Stade Francais from 1995 to 1999 and admits he could well go back to the Parisian side to take up a more managerial role, but certainly not coaching.

''I would not mind being part of the directing team at Stade Francais, because if I ever come back to rugby one day I would not join any other club,'' Laporte added.

''Stade Francais taught me that rugby is above all pure pleasure.

''I want to do something else with my life, because when you coach a club you cannot do anything else.''