It's been a bad fortnight for Stade Français: Biarritz's victory in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final on Friday means Stade Français will not play in the Heineken Cup next season, a massive blow for the club from the capital.

After failing to make the Top 14 play-offs for the third consecutive year, it was revealed last week that coach Michael Cheika's contract will not be renewed ahead of next season.

With the Parisians in desperate need of a revival, Mallett's name was immediately brought to the forefront when news of Cheika's demise broke.

The former Springbok and Azzurri coach guided Stade Français to consecutive Top 14 titles in 2003 and 2004 and many fans had hoped he might be reunited with skipper Sergio Parisse after missing out on the England job.

It would seem like a match made in heaven but Mallett insists there is no chance of him returning to the French capital any time soon.

"I'm under contract with a South African television channel, it's less stressful than to be field side," Mallett told RMC.

"I'm under contract until spring 2013. If I still want to be a coach, I'll think about it then. I've had a few contacts, but I won't be returning to Paris."

Who, then, will take over the reins? A number of names have circulated including former coach Jacques Delmas and Hugo Mola, who recently lost his job at relegated Brive.

Current assistant coaches Mario Ledesma and Christophe Laussucq are expected to be retained.