In an interview at West Francethe former president of RC Toulon spoke about the resignation of his “friend” Bernard Laporte from his post as president of the French Rugby Federation.
The main subject of the interview was his new project for a publishing house specializing in comics. But it’s hard not to give in to the temptation to question Mourad Boudjellal, president of RC Toulon between 2007 and 2020, about the case that is currently shaking French rugby. When West France asks him what he thinks of the resignation of Bernard Laporte from his position as president of the French Rugby Federation and the accusations hanging over him, the businessman immediately warns: “Bernard Laporte is my friend so I am not objective.» A love here he to «always said he had done nothing.»
Going against the tide of public opinion and “opportunistic people who think he is in a weak position“, Mourad Boudjellal would like to remind everyone “what Bernard Laporte did for rugby.“He specifies in particular that”if the stadiums are full, it is thanks to him.“However, and despite their friendship, he will no longer defend him if he proves guilty: “If tomorrow Bernard Laporte is sentenced after the appeal then he will have to be punished, I agree with that.»
Mourad Boudjellal also spoke about the best possible candidate to take over: Paul Goze, president of the National Rugby League from 2012 to 2021.We don’t have the same ideas, but I recognize that he has a real passion.»
