Relief for the staff of the Top 14 teams. After several weeks of discussions, the National Rugby League (LNR) and the French Rugby Federation (FFR) reached an agreement for the provision of internationals during the Six Tournament Nations, like announced Midi Olympique. The coach of the French XV will therefore be able to count on 34 players at the start of the week, before six join their club on Wednesday evening to play in the weekend’s match. These departures will be compensated by other players from the Top 14. These cannot, however, come from the clubs of Toulouse, La Rochelle, Bordeaux-Bègles and Racing 92.
Fabien Galthié will undoubtedly not be delighted with this agreement, he who could previously count on 42 players to prepare his matches since taking office in 2020. The poor result during the World Cup, with elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, undoubtedly cost him dearly. The Top 14 clubs had also expressed their desire to be able to count on more players during the period of the Six Nations Tournament.
The question of the summer tour in Argentina was also decided. Two matches are planned for this occasion against the Pumas, on July 6 and 13, and possibly a last one against Uruguay or Chile. Few players who played in the Six Nations Tournament should be there. The Top 14 finalists will also, as Midi Olympique announced, be spared. However, there will be 42 of them to make the trip, including those eliminated from the semi-finals of the championship.
