The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has temporarily sidestepped preparations for their Six Nations meeting with Ireland to dispute claims regarding Fabien Galthié's salary.
They issued a statement on Wednesday, describing reports of the head coach's remuneration as "erroneous".
Totalsportal claimed that Galthié had a base salary of £650,000 (€771k) a year, with potential bonuses of £500,000 (€592k).
By comparison, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is reported to have a base salary of £500,000, with the same again in potential bonuses.
England head coach Eddie Jones is said to be the highest-paid coach among the Six Nations, taking home £750,000 (€889k) a year, with £500,000 in bonuses.
Clearly unhappy, the FFR tweeted to say, "The site "Totalsportal" published an erroneous ranking mentioning the supposed remuneration of Fabien Galthié.
"The FFR categorically denies the amounts mentioned in this ranking concerning the coach of the France team."
The FFR did not state whether the actual amount paid to their head coach is higher or lower than the reports. However, Totalsportal are not alone in having reported the figure of £650,000 per annum.
Galthié missed last week's Six Nations opener at home to Italy, having contracted COVID-19, but he is set to return to the coach's box for Saturday's visit of Farrell's side.
Les Bleus will be without Matthieu Jalibert this weekend, however.
The Bordeaux-Begles out-half has a thigh injury that forced him to miss last week's win over Italy, and will not be risked against Ireland.
Galthié says he's happy to have Thomas Ramos cover the position.
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