Le Figaro. For several weeks now, there have been points of friction between the League and the Federation. The first concerns the wish of Bernard Laporte to see Massy and Albi go up in Pro D2…
Paul Goze: The professional clubs have expressed themselves. They voted unanimously to stay at 30. But we are discussing with the FFR for the creation of a new ( National ) championship, which would be the intermediate level between the amateur and professional world. We support it. The decision will be made in June.
Bernard Laporte also mentioned the project to create a club world cup.
We have been working on this for months with the EPCR ( the organizer of the European cups ). So we are not against it. Except that our project is every four years and compatible with the European Cup ( the Laporte project is annual, with the elimination of continental competition, Editor's note ). But it is not the most urgent subject currently ( smile ).
“ The club economy is under enormous shock. Decisions on the international calendar must not further aggravate the situation ”
Paul Goze, president of the NRLAnother wish of the FFR: to overwrite in October-November the canceled test matches in July, or to play a new Six Nations Tournament, either 6 or 7 dates.
With the English Premiership, we sent a joint letter to World Rugby telling them that we want to be associated with the decisions, that they can in no case be taken unilaterally since they have an impact on the domestic competitions of clubs which do not cannot be the simple adjustment variable of the world calendar. They accepted the principle of a global discussion. The position of the League is clear: we are ready to make some exceptional concessions this year to rewrite tests in the fall, if they can stand. But respecting a balance with club competitions - European championships and cups. The club economy is under enormous shock. Decisions on the international calendar should not further aggravate the situation. This search for balance, in dialogue, and taking into account the situation of the clubs is the responsibility of World Rugby. And when it comes to making the widening of the autumn window permanent, that is yet another subject ...
READ ALSO: Bernard Laporte's secrets on hot rugby issues
You mention here the draft World Rugby align the seasons between North and South, to remove the tour from June to establish an international super-window or even a cup of nations, every year in October-November ...
It's a subject that can be discussed. But it can only be done in the long term, in stages, not by deciding it overnight ... ( Ironic ) After, however you articulate the year, it will always be 52 weeks. It's intangible. So all the big theories… I have been a rugby executive for 30 years. And this speech, according to which the alignment of the seasons of North and South would be the miracle solution, I heard it for the first time in 1992 or 1993! 27 years later, present this project as a novelty ... And when a human activity develops and thrives in a configuration, it is that it is not so bad. Otherwise, it would have been changed a long time ago. So you have to stay alert to great and new ideas. Especially when they are 27 years old…
" The classification of the 17th day does not necessarily correspond to a classification on which to rely automatically to designate the qualified for the European Cup "
Paul Goze, president of the NRLSportingly, on the Top 14 side, there is one last point to decide: which clubs qualified for the Champions Cup. Which scenario holds the rope?
We await the decision of the EPCR. If she qualifies eight French clubs, the problem will be solved. If we stay at six French clubs, we will have to find a formula to designate them. It will be taken in line with the principle adopted at the end of the season. The classification of the 17th day does not necessarily correspond to a classification on which to rely automatically since there is no champion, neither climbs, nor descents…
The word boycott ...
( He interrupts ) But no ... It's a mood movement, not a reality. A sentence said by a president has become, through the famous leaks, "the League wants to boycott". This is not at all the point of our thinking. On the other hand, we are determined that the proposal we made to the EPCR be retained ( eight qualified French people instead of six, Editor's note ). We are working on it.
READ ALSO: Champions Cup: French clubs ready to go as far as boycotting?
Are you going to run for president of the League next year?
We can't do more than two terms and I'm finishing my second…
But what if the presidents changed this rule?
If the presidents wanted, I would think about this possible solicitation. But this is not the time for this type of reflection. We are currently in the dark, with urgent, vital problems to be resolved. This subject is therefore inappropriate for the next few months.
Read also
- Paul Goze at Le Figaro: "Without State aid, it is the death of professional rugby"
