France coach in trouble over drunken antics

France coach Bobbie Goulding is under investigation by the Rugby League International Federation after misbehaving at their awards dinner in Leeds on Monday night.

Goulding, who appeared to be quite intoxicated, abused several senior officials and journalists in the bar after the formal dinner at a city casino, and had to be restrained by one of his friends and by the French captain, Olivier Elima, after lunging unprovoked at an Australian journalist.

Goulding was also seen loudly abusing and roughhousing senior officials and journalists.

Several senior British RFL employees witnessed the scenes, and last night (UK time) an RFL spokesman confirmed an investigation had begun into Goulding's behaviour.

The former Great Britain halfback, who had a chequered disciplinary record as a player, was a controversial choice to succeed John Monie after last year's world cup, and has a three-year contract to coach the Chanticleers.

- © Fairfax NZ News