Paris (AFP)

Disrupted by the pandemic, the international window of autumn is at the heart of the discussions between clubs and rugby federations: "it will require flexibility on both sides", estimated Tuesday the general manager of the French stadium Thomas Lombard.

"We would like things to be clarified quickly. We are in the fact that, like clubs, federations around the world have been impacted by the Covid-19 period. We are ready to make an effort, ready to listen", a entrusted Lombard to a press conference.

In France, clubs have declared themselves willing to extend the international window to bring it to five dates over five weeks, one less than the FFR would like.

According to the agreement signed between the Federation (FFR) and the League (LNR), the XV of France must indeed play three games in November: against Georgia on the 7th, Australia on the 14th and South Africa on the 21st .

But this fall tour should be disrupted by the restrictions imposed in the southern hemisphere: the French Rugby Federation has also presented a project that sees the Blues face Scotland (October 24 and November 28), Ireland (31 October), England (November 21) and two opponents to be determined (November 14, December 5), thus depriving the clubs of their internationals for 52 days.

"The effort for France-Ireland (Six Nations Tournament, note) is perfectly topical and all of the Top 14 clubs are ready to support it. A fifth match, which could be an adjustment variable, is After having gone from three to six matches to make available to players, that would be a real concern. Flexibility is needed on both sides, "said the Ile-de-France director.

"It is already extremely restrictive for clubs in normal times. At the French Stadium, we have French internationals but also foreigners. There are Marcos Kremer, Nicolas Sanchez, Pablo Matera ... who will play with the Pumas. We we have Fijians, Samoans ... ", he added.

The presidents of the Top 14 must meet on July 7, in Toulouse, to establish a strategy for the projects implemented by World Rugby.

A decision was expected on June 30, it was postponed "to a later date", according to a spokesman for the governing body.

© 2020 AFP