Former Bok and Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has emerged as the favourite to take over as director of rugby at French club Stade Français.

According to French media reports, Meyer had already signed a three-year contract to take over from Greg Cooper, who vacated his position in January due to personal reasons.

Stade won the Top 14 title in 2015, but are currently languishing in 11th position in competition standings and caught in a four-way battle – with Agen, Brive and Oyonnax – to avoid relegation.

Meyer could not be reached for comment, but should he join Stade, he will link up with his former charges Morné Steyn, Willem Alberts, Gurthrö Steenkamp and Heinke van der Merwe, while Meyer Bosman, Charl McLeod and Craig Burden are also on the club’s payroll.

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