He coached the Italy national rugby union team from 1978 until 1981, and then returned to Toulouse as head coach. Working alongside Jean-Claude Skrela, he coached Toulouse to the national title in 1985, the club's first since 1947, and would lead them to two more titles. After leaving Toulouse in 1989, he continued coaching in the European club ranks until France hired Skrela as its new head coach after a disappointing 1995 Rugby World Cup campaign. Skrela then tabbed Villepreux as his top assistant. The partnership proved successful, with France winning the 1997 and 1998 Five Nations titles and reaching the 1999 Rugby World Cup Final under their leadership.