Saint-Andre has guided Sale to their first Premiership title

Saint-Andre is the favourite to replace Bernard Laporte when he retires as France coach after the 2007 World Cup.

"I am not going to raise it with him, but if he wants to raise it with me or France happen to approach us, then so be it," said Kennedy.

"He's got another couple of years on his contract. I will do everything in my power to keep Philippe at the club."

Kennedy was fulsome in his praise for Saint-Andre after Sale's 45-20 win against Leicester in the Premiership play-off final on Saturday gave the Sharks their first ever title.

I am sure he could do something great with the French team because he has great ideas about rugby Sebastien Chabal on Philippe Saint-Andre

"Philippe's greatest quality is being able to surround himself with the right coaching staff, and that is absolutely critical for any person in his position," said Kennedy.

"He has tremendous passion that is infectious throughout the organisation, and he is a winner.

"He hates losing, and he does everything in his power to make sure he doesn't lose. He will come up with a formula to win."

Sale number eight Sebastien Chabal suggested Saint-Andre could be the next coach of France after Bernard Laporte leaves at the end of next year's World Cup.

"There are not too many people who could take the job," said Frenchman Chabal, one of Sale's star performers against Leicester.

"I think there is Philippe, (Biarritz coach) Patrice Lagisquet and some people speak about Fabien Galthie (Stade Francais boss), but he hasn't won anything yet as a coach.