The French Rugby Federation bans alcohol and proposes drug tests to improve discipline

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

One of 20 steps announced by the FFR on Tuesday (October 29) is a proposal to introduce drug and alcohol testing, while banning the consumption of alcohol at the national rugby center in Marcoussis, in stadiums and in changing rooms.

“These are places where the players try to develop their physical and tactical skills as best as possible,” FFR vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet told reporters.

“Consuming alcohol is not permitted in these places.”

France was shocked by a series of high-profile incidents this year.

Fullback Melvyn Jaminet was handed a 34-week ban for a racist social media post during their tour of Argentina in July, and Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were arrested for alleged sexual abuse during the same tour.

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

In August, Medhi Narjissi, part of the France under-18 team due to take part in a tournament in South Africa, was swept away by a tide while swimming in a post-training recovery session, and his body was not recovered.

National 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 coherent development in relation to what had happened.”

France will play Japan, New Zealand and Argentina next month.