If on the field the results of the French XV were up to par, including three consecutive victories during the Autumn tour, behind the scenes, French rugby experienced an annus horribilis. Several cases punctuated the Blues gatherings, starting with Melvyn Jaminet, targeted by an investigation for “threat of death due to the origin” after a video published on his social networks. But this summer tour in South America was especially overshadowed by the story involving two young French hopefuls, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, accused of aggravated rape of a woman aged 39 while they were in Mendoza, Argentina.
A case which caused a lot of noise and after being held there for several months, the two rugby players were able to return to France, but a crucial hearing was recently postponed and for the moment, the investigation is not completed. A story which had the merit of moving the lines within French rugby concerning the famous third halves where partying and alcohol have always been omnipresent.
Guy Novès meets a player with two girls in the elevator
Questioned this Wednesday by The Parisian on the affairs which have impacted French rugby in recent months, Guy Novès gave his opinion on the dangers which threaten his sport. “The mixture alcohol and drugs. We see it in the divisions below the Top 14 where there is not enough money to do testing. And there, we let it happen. Drugs are taking hold at all levels of rugby. In youth teams, this exists. The danger is immense for the kids”warns the one who was coach of the XV of France from 2016 to 2017.
Legend of the Toulouse stadium where he remained as coach for 22 years, Guy Novès continues to follow the evolution of his sport. When asked if the staff led by Fabien Galthié was not too permissive during the tour in South America, he was categorical. “No. There was also a form of trust to be had in the players. And everyone can be betrayed“assures the former coach of the XV of France, married to his first flirt, before revealing a rather surprising anecdote: “I'm going to make a confession to you: in Argentina, during the tour when I was managing the Blues, I arrived at breakfast one morning. And in the elevator, I met a player with two girls… Behind, there was a big recovery on my part.”
A story that says a lot about the morals of French players during the summer gatherings with the XV of France.
