Chief executive Grant Mayor said the club would look overseas for a new boss and might start the new season without a man in the hot seat.

"It could take a month or it could take three, although we would expect to have someone in place by March," he said.

"We will not rush into an appointment. We will go through the process and get the best man for the job."

Australians Matt Adamson and Paul Donkin have taken temporary charge while ex-GB coach David Waite remains as director of rugby.

Mayor, an Australian, admitted the club are unlikely to appoint a Frenchman to take over from Deakin.

"The reality is that France is still behind the UK and Australia with regard to the skills required," he said.

Veteran Australian coach John Monie was recently appointed as France's national coach, although he is unlikely to make himself available for such a high-pressure job.