The presentation of jerseys before a match is a sacred moment in rugby. Friday, the eve of France – Wales, the rite was performed by Bernard Laporte, former coach of the Blues but especially resigning president of the Federation (FFR), says Le Parisien.
Inevitably, the presence of the one who was also Secretary of State for Sports under Nicolas Sarkozy may seem incongruous, even if nothing prohibits it. But Fabien Galthié has never hidden his closeness to Laporte, who appealed after his two-year suspended prison sentence at first instance for corruption and influence peddling.
"A character we all appreciate"
Thus, the current sports boss of the XV of France had "a special thought for Bernard" after the triumph in England (10-53), last Saturday. Previously, Laporte had visited Les Bleus during the training camp in Capbreton (Landes), in early February, before the Six Nations Tournament.
A few days earlier on January 28, the day after the resignation of the now ex-president of the FFR, the 2nd line Thibaud Flament had also evoked in a press conference "a character that we all appreciate within the group".
- 6 Nations
- Rugby
- Sport
- XV of France
- Wales
- Bernard Laporte
- Fabien Galthié
- FFR