In recent months, the image of French rugby has been impacted by extra-sporting affairs. Melvyn Jamineta full-back for the French XV, was excluded from the national team after the broadcast of a racist video.My mother who asks me if I partied… I swear to you, the first Arab I meet on the road, I hit him with my helmet. I hit him with my helmet. I tell you, I hit him with my helmet. A hit with my helmet“, he said. Shortly afterwards, two other French rugby players found themselves at the heart of the controversy. Present in Argentina with the French XV, Oscar Jegou et Hugo Auradou are accused of rape by a young woman. Although they have been allowed to return to France, the two athletes remain under investigation.
Gaël Fickou (France XV) against the elimination of third halves
In this global context, some questions have emerged around the traditional “third half”. This term evokes the evenings spent by rugby players, during which partying is the order of the day. It is not uncommon for some players to consume alcohol during these events, sometimes putting moderation aside. Despite the recent controversies, Gaël Fickou, three-quarter center of the XV of France, has dismissed the idea of a potential suppression of these moments between teammates.We must not lose this third half, it is part of rugby. I’ve been doing them for 12 years and it’s been going well for 12 years. It’s part of rugby culture and we have to keep that. We need to control the excesses. It is up to the players to take charge and take responsibility. It is up to the Federations and the League to properly supervise all this and it will go very well.“, he confided to our colleagues at RMC Sport.
Also read
Jegou-Auradou case: two rugby players accused of rape allowed to return to France after two months in Argentina
Maxime Mermoz in turn defends the third halves
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