The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has banned the consumption of alcohol by players during national team gatherings to enforce discipline, following troubling recent incidents.
“These are places where the players are there to try and develop their physical and tactical abilities to the best of their ability,” said FFR vice president Jean-Marc Lhermet.
“The consumption of alcohol is not authorised in these places.”
The France squad will test the new regulations during the upcoming November Tests against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina.
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The ban comes after July’s controversies: fullback Melvyn Jaminet was suspended and fined after posting a racist video, and teammates Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were charged with rape during the Argentina tour, which they deny.
In addition to the alcohol ban, FFR’s 20 new measures include drug and alcohol testing and restrictions on overnight visitors in players’ rooms.
Head coach Fabien Galthie stated that the players support these policies: “We did a questionnaire, and all the players said yes.
“It was a logical and coherent development in relation to what had happened.”
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