Published on: 10/31/2024 – 3:57 p.m.

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Among the 20 new measures announced this week, the FFR also plans to introduce drug and alcohol screening tests. Alcohol is now prohibited at the Marcoussis national rugby center, in the stadiums and in the locker rooms.

“These are places where players are expected to develop their physical and tactical abilities to the best of their ability,” said FRF vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet.

“Alcohol consumption is not permitted.”

This decision comes as the French team began its fall training at Marcoussissouth of Paris, at the start of the week.

Series of scandals

The emphasis on discipline follows a series of high-profile incidents that have rocked the French team this year.

In July, fullback Melvyn Jaminet was suspended for 34 weeks for a racist social media post during his tour of Argentina.

During the same tour, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were arrested on the basis of allegations of sexual assaultwhich they denied, claiming the encounters were consensual.

In August, tragedy struck the French under-18 team when player Medhi Narjissi was swept away by a rising tide while swimming in South Africa. His body was never found.

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

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

France is programmed to play Japan, New Zealand and Argentina next month.