Bobbie Goulding's future as France rugby league coach is under threat with the game's governing body launching an investigation into his behaviour at Monday night's player of the year awards ceremony.

The former Great Britain Test halfback was allegedly involved in several alcohol-fuelled incidents at the gala dinner in Leeds, including one where he had to be dragged away by French captain Olivier Elima during a confrontation with an Australian journalist.

Earlier in the night Goulding had made a vocal protest at the lack of the French symbol of the Four Nations trophy, which is the same trophy which had previously been used in the Tri-Nations contested by Australia, England and New Zealand.

"The RFL will be speaking to Bobbie and others that were there on the night before taking any further action," and RFL spokesman said on Wednesday.

"There is no official investigation as yet, that will be determined by the RFL board of directors after we have spoken to those involved."

Goulding has denied any knowledge of the incident.

"Nothing happened - nothing at all," he told British newspapers.

Goulding has a history of off-field indiscretions, and was seen as a surprise choice as coach of the French national side back in March.

While his side failed to win a game in the Four Nations tournament, Goulding had won praise for his side's commitment throughout their matches.

It is the second tournament in a row that the conduct of a national coach has come into question.

Australian coach Ricky Stuart was forced to resign after a verbal altercation with referee Ashley Klein and referees boss Stuart Cummings the morning after the Kangaroos shock World Cup final loss to New Zealand last year.

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