EIGHT PLAYERS THROWN off France’s Six Nations squad for partying into the small hours following a defeat to Scotland will face no further action, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said today.
The eight, including Teddy Thomas and Louis Picamoles, were jettisoned from Les Bleus’ squad in February following a boozy night out in Edinburgh.
Only two from the party, Jonathan Danty and Sekou Macalou, have yet to be recalled by France coach Jacques Brunel. The remaining players will face no further sanctions, although the FFR said that after-match activities will be more tightly controlled.
FFR president Bernard Laporte said that while the incident “undeniably harmed the reputation of our national team and our sport”, the sanctions handed down in the aftermath were “sufficient”.
Laporte, cited in a FFR statement, added: “I have asked for after-match periods to be more strictly controlled. Moreover, it is our duty to fully educate our players on the exemplary behaviour that is expected of any international player.”
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)