French rugby clubs reject the plan to replace President Laporte

Posted in: 01/26/2023 – 1:36 PMan average: 01/26/2023 – 13:34

Earlier this month, Laporte resigned as president of the federation after being found guilty of corruption charges, nine months before France is due to host the Rugby World Cup.

More than 50% of the more than 1,500 votes cast rejected the proposal of the former France coach, who has held the post since 2016.

Beauson is currently the President of Amateur Rugby within the Union.

On Friday, the FFR board will meet with French Sports Minister Amélie Odia-Castera to discuss the next steps in the process.

Laporte was found guilty on December 13 of five of the six charges he was charged with, including bribery and nepotism, and the 58-year-old was given a suspended two-year prison sentence.

He was also banned from rugby for two years, pending his appeal.

Laporte has resigned as Vice-Chairman of World Rugby, pending a review by the Chief Ethics Officer.

On February 5, France began the defense of their Six Nations title with a trip to Italy and will be looking to extend their national record of 13 consecutive Test victories.

The World Cup kicks off on September 8 in Paris.

© 2023 AFP