Paris (AFP)

The president of the Provale players' union, Robins Tchale-Watchou, is at the heart of all French rugby meetings to find a solution to the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic: the old second line assured him on Tuesday at AFP, "there will be a before and after".

Q: What is the best outcome?

A: "If I had the solution, I would say it. We have an unknown factor that complicates the different equations, which is knowing that it will be the evolution of the health situation. It is a real unknown factor that complicates After that, depending on when it ends, we may not be able to continue, because there is not enough time left, between the implementation of medical and re-athletic protocols. of all the different actors, this unknown is imposed on us. "

Q: So the outright cancellation of the season is on the table?

A: "It is not that it is possible, it may be imposed on us. I do not hope so. If everything ends in three or four months, how do you want to play? everyone wants it to start again, that would solve a lot of problems. Everyone hopes it will get better, for rugby but also for society ... We are only a small part of a big puzzle. This is why we spend so much time working on the different scenarios. We think about the solutions and their collateral effects. We have to see what is possible legally, sportingly and medically. "

Q: In case of recovery, the medical question will be essential.

A: "It's the heart. Studies have been done, they say that medical exams are needed for recovery. The coaches and physical trainers reaffirmed that, after a break, there is a minimum to allow players to regain some semblance of form. This time, it is four weeks with a match at the end. It is the minimum. But things will perhaps be imposed on us. "

Q: There is also the issue of player salaries.

A: "The players are losing money, the clubs too ... the whole ecosystem around our sport is weakened. I have always said that the players will contribute as much as possible to this solidarity effort. Unfortunately, Everyone is turned to this question of compensation. There are several solutions available to us: we have image rights contracts or deferred payments, even spread over several months ... did not give quits to negotiate a drop or increase in salary. However, they told me that they were sensitive to what is happening, that they were open to see to what extent they can take their share. "

Q: There are rumors of a Top 14 final in July, but some players' contracts end on June 30 ...

A: "The question has been asked. The NRL looks at what is legally possible. Once the different councils give a copy, we will look at what is possible to consider. We will also have to see to what extent not encroach too much on the next season, to what extent it makes it possible to relieve clubs financially, to what extent it meets the obligations towards the broadcaster ... We are not saying no, on the contrary. "

Q: Whatever happens, this crisis will have an impact on French rugby and the way it works.

A: "There will be a before and an after. We will be judged mainly on our capacity to be united, on our courage to make the decisions that were necessary and on our capacity to believe that we have a magnificent discipline which deserves the efforts to build the aftermath. Today, we are working together to conceal partisan interests. The situation demands it. We will have to be patient, we will have to listen, we will have to bear to the end. It will not be simple. that you have to take, you have to have the courage to take them together. It may not be fun, but you have to take them. "

Interview by Nicholas MC ANALLY

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