The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has banned gamers from ingesting alcohol throughout nationwide crew gatherings as a part of efforts to enhance self-discipline following a sequence of controversies off the sector this 12 months.
Among the many 20 steps introduced by the FFR on Tuesday is a proposal to introduce drug and alcohol testing, whereas consumption of alcohol is banned on the nationwide rugby centre in Marcoussis, stadiums and altering rooms.
“These are locations the place the gamers are there to attempt to develop their bodily and tactical talents to the very best of their means,” FFR vp Jean-Marc Lhermet informed reporters.
“The consumption of alcohol just isn’t authorised in these locations.”
France had been rocked by a sequence of high-profile incidents this 12 months.
Fullback Melvyn Jaminet was handed a 34-week ban over a racist social media publish throughout their Argentina tour in July, and Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou had been arrested for alleged sexual assault throughout the identical tour.
Each gamers have denied wrongdoing and stated the intercourse was consensual.
In August, Medhi Narjissi, a part of the France under-18 crew on account of take part in a event in South Africa, was swept away by a rip tide whereas swimming in a restoration session after coaching and his physique was not recovered.
Nationwide crew coach Fabien Galthie stated gamers backed the measures.
“We did a questionnaire and all of the gamers stated sure,” he added. “It was a logical and coherent growth in relation to what had occurred.”
France are scheduled to play Japan, New Zealand and Argentina subsequent month.
