Carqueiranne (France) (AFP)

Bernard Laporte, president of the French Rugby Federation and candidate for his own succession, promised, Wednesday during his first campaign meeting in front of 400 people in Carqueiranne (Var), to be "even closer to the clubs".

Q: What conclusions do you draw from your exercise at the head of the French Rugby Federation (FFR)?

A: "We were elected with a roadmap of 44 commitments, we achieved 90% of them. The main pillars of these successes are first and foremost democracy. It was I who gave back power by deciding to limit two mandates in the time. Before, they were there for 40 years. Today, it's over. The second point is the return of the XV of France in the best world nations. We went from the 9th in 4th place in the world ranking. We are feared again. Jean-Claude Skrela was national technical director for ten years and it is because of him that we have experienced ten years of slump in the France team. made difficult decisions when arriving at the Federation but I would like to highlight the exceptional work done by Fabien Galthié and his staff in just a year and a half. Economically, we are also doing very well. "

Q: How are you dealing with the current health crisis?

A: "We manage day to day with government recommendations. There are several meetings a week. We weren't worried about the recovery but we find that it is complicated. There are cases everywhere so we do not know how the situation will develop. Of course we are a sport conducive to the spread of the virus. "

Q: What are the strengths of your program?

A: "We must continue to be even closer to the clubs and by supporting them even more. We must go even higher in sporting performances by supporting the players and giving them the means to achieve their ambitions. Our objectives are to become champions. of the world among men in 2023 and women in 2021. "

Q: How do you plan to fight against the drop in licensees?

A: "We must first of all come back to schools. We have signed an agreement with the National Education. Our showcase, which is the XV of France, must also have results so that young people can identify themselves and play rugby. We have set ourselves a target of 100,000 additional licensees by 2024. We must also develop women's rugby. Women's rugby is the men's rugby of 40 years ago. There will be more and more We will also apply to host the 2025 Women's World Cup in France. We would like the girls to be able to play at the Stade de France but, for now, it's complicated economically. "

Q: Florian Grill, your opponent for this election, would like to postpone the election, scheduled for October 3, by two months, due to the health crisis. Why are you opposed to it?

A: "We decided a year ago to the day on this date. But, for me, it is only the Minister of Sports who could change the date. I only apply the law. I remind you that l 'General assembly on the budget will take place before the election contrary to what is said. "

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