Bernard Laporte, the president of the FFR, provoked today, this Sunday, an emergency meeting of the Strategic Orientation Committee of French Rugby. The opportunity for him to "deliver to the NRL the return of the decisions of the Federal Bureau of May 8 which will have taken note of the official position of the professional world to refuse the rise, however traditional, in Pro D2 of two clubs from the Federal1 . And the president of the FFR camped on his positions: he wanted the rise of two Federal 1 clubs (Alby and Massy) on the upper floor. So many proposals he announced on Friday during a video interview at Le Figaro .
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“We are not in this trip today, even if we have already considered it. In 2017, we said that in 2021 we would review the structure of Federal 1 where there are six or seven truly professional clubs, with certified training centers. Creating a Division 3, a National, whatever it is called, is a file under study. There are, it is true, clubs above the level of Federal 1 but not accepted by the Pro D2. This is a problem that we will think about, yes, ”said Bernard Laporte.
“The FFR deeply regrets this refusal. It does not reflect the solidarity that rugby should express in such circumstances. This is a mistake, because it causes a gap between professionals, and amateurs who aspire to become one. Our Office does not give up, the rise of these two clubs in Pro D2, said Barnard Laporte in a press release. We believe it is legitimate and desirable. This organic bridge encourages each year, our club leaders and their local elected representatives, to continue to invest in the amateur sector, creating a necessary synergy between these two worlds, which form one. ”
I would have liked to have had two clubs set up. This is why I got a rant ”
Bernard LaporteAnd to continue: “After having called this weekend, all the club presidents of Fédérale1, to inform them of this status quo and in order to act in the best interest of our Sport, I asked the LNR to work on an alternative which would be the creation of a National championship with 12 clubs. This project should be built during the month of May, with the services of the FFR, and take into account all the needs of the clubs that will be selected on their sporting level. I would like us to work objectively on the two hypotheses, and our Steering Committee will decide in June, taking into account the evolution of the health situation and therefore the real recovery schedule. The best solution for French rugby will be chosen. I want method, listening, respect, cooperation but also daring to make our Sport stronger. I expressed to the LNR, my will to prepare a great and beautiful season of Rugby next September. ”
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Regarding the power quarrel between the FFR and the LNR, Bernard Laporte explained to Le Figaro on Friday : “This is not a fight between the League and the Federation. Regarding the climbs, it creates a positive dynamic for the clubs. I would have liked to have had two clubs set up. That's why I got a rant. I wanted the clubs to decide. A letter has been sent. We will see at the beginning of the week how we will respond. In terms of solidarity, I found that good. In football, they made two descents and two climbs. We'll see. But there will be no courts, things like that. (…) I told the Pro D2 clubs that they would not be harmed in terms of TV rights. I would have liked more solidarity. There is a veto of the Pro D2 clubs, we will see… ”The Federation-League fight continues.
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