French Rugby Federation Summoned in Medhi Narjissi Investigation

Agen, France – The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has been formally summoned as part of the judicial investigation into the death of young rugby player Medhi Narjissi, who tragically died in August 2024 while on a training camp with the French Under-18 team in South Africa. FFR President Florian Grill is expected to appear before the court in Agen, a development that could lead to formal charges or his designation as an assisted witness. The case continues to reverberate through the French rugby community, raising serious questions about safety protocols and oversight during international tours.

The summons, reported Friday by AFP, is a logical step in the ongoing legal process, according to Mathias Chichportich, the FFR’s lawyer. “The FFR has always affirmed its willingness to cooperate fully with the justice system,” Chichportich stated. “If nothing prevents him from doing so, Florian Grill has chosen to represent the FFR himself during this hearing.” Grill was previously interviewed by Agen police in October 2024, shortly after the investigation began, initially classified as a missing person case before being reclassified as involuntary manslaughter.

A Tragedy in South Africa

Narjissi, then 17 years old and a promising player with Stade Toulousain, was swept away by waves on August 7, 2024, during a recovery session on a beach near Cape Town, South Africa. The beach was known to be dangerous, a detail that has become central to the investigation. Despite extensive searches, Narjissi’s body was never recovered, leaving his family and the rugby world in mourning. The circumstances surrounding his death prompted a thorough review of safety measures for youth international teams.

Previous Sanctions and Internal Review

The investigation has already resulted in disciplinary action against several individuals involved with the Under-18 team. Robin Ladauge, the team’s physical trainer, was removed from public service in August 2025. Stéphane Cambos, the former team manager, received a two-year suspension, with one year being a firm sentence. Both Ladauge and Cambos have been placed under formal investigation for involuntary manslaughter by the Agen court.

An internal administrative inquiry conducted by the French General Inspectorate of Education, Sport and Research (IGESR) highlighted a “deficient preparation” for the trip to South Africa and identified “insufficiently formalized” responsibilities for the team’s supervisors. The FFR acknowledges these shortcomings, attributing them to the legacy of the previous administration, but maintains that the actual tragedy stems from the actions of those directly responsible for supervising the players on the beach.

Ethical Concerns and Family’s Pursuit of Justice

The case has also sparked debate about the FFR’s ethical responsibilities. In December 2025, the FFR’s federal ethics and deontology committee considered a request from the Narjissi family for the federation’s responsibility to be acknowledged. Although, the committee determined that the identified shortcomings did not warrant disciplinary action against the FFR, instead issuing a “reminder of ethics and deontology” to the federation and its leadership. This decision has been met with disappointment by the Narjissi family, who continue to seek full accountability for their son’s death.

The family believes the FFR bears a significant responsibility for the events that led to Medhi’s death and has been actively pursuing justice through both the criminal and federal systems. Their efforts underscore the deep pain and frustration felt by those affected by the tragedy and their determination to ensure that such an incident never happens again.

What’s Next?

Florian Grill’s appearance before the court in Agen represents a critical juncture in the investigation. The outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for the FFR and its leadership. The investigation remains ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming months. The focus will be on establishing the full chain of events leading to Narjissi’s death and determining whether any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the tragedy.

The FFR maintains its commitment to cooperating with the investigation and ensuring the safety of its athletes. However, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in international sporting tours and the importance of rigorous safety protocols and responsible oversight. The rugby community in France, and beyond, will be watching closely as this case unfolds, hoping for a resolution that brings some measure of closure to the Narjissi family and ensures a safer future for young athletes.

Next Update: The outcome of Florian Grill’s hearing in Agen is expected within the next several weeks. Archysport will continue to provide updates as they become available.

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