Oct 30 (Reuters) – The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has banned players from drinking alcohol at national team gatherings as part of efforts to improve discipline following a series of controversies off the field this year.

Among the 20 measures announced by the FFR on Tuesday is a proposal to introduce drug and alcohol testing, while alcohol consumption is banned at the Marcoussis national rugby center, in stadiums and in locker rooms .

“These are places where players are there to try to best develop their physical and tactical abilities,” FFR vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet told the press.

“Alcohol consumption is not permitted in these locations.”

France has been rocked this year by a series of high-profile incidents.

Both players have denied any wrongdoing and said the sex was consensual.

In August, Medhi Narjissi, a member of the French under-18 team who was due to participate in a tournament in South Africa, was swept away by a tide while swimming during a recovery session after training and his body was not recovered.

National team coach Fabien Galthie said the players supported the measures.

“We did a questionnaire and all the players said yes,” he added. “It was a logical and consistent development from what had happened.”

France are scheduled to face Japan, New Zealand and Argentina next month.

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