Goulding withdraws resignation threat

Bobbie Goulding has withdrawn his offer of resignation as head coach of France.

Goulding threatened to resign after France’s 38-18 loss to England Knights at Leigh, citing lack of support for the national side from Les Catalans Dragons.

France next face the full England team in Avignon on Friday (6.15 BST).

“The French federation said they didn’t want me to resign,” said Goulding.”They want me to carry on and I have their backing. We also had a team meeting – 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.

“I’ve never given in and I’ll never give in. I’m nearly three years into the job when everybody said I’d be gone in three months.”

Goulding was appointed to the position in February 2009, and his present contract expires in February 2012.