Paris (AFP)

The Council of State rejected Friday the application for interim measures of the National Rugby League (LNR), which challenged the decision of the Federation (FFR) to organize six matches in the fall for the XV of France, but recalled the binding nature of the agreement between the two parties.

Will the Blues play six matches this fall, against 3 in normal times and 5 as proposed by the Top 14 clubs, who feel aggrieved by the loss of their best elements?

Seized by the LNR, the summary judge blew hot and cold between the two bodies of French rugby, in open war since the summer on the subject.

On the one hand, the rejection of the appeal by the highest French administrative court opens the way to the XXL menu for the Blues, wanted by the newly reelected president of the FFR, Bernard Laporte, and coach Fabien Galthié.

Captain Charles Ollivon's team should therefore still be able to face Wales in a friendly (October 24), a preparation match for the postponed "final" of the Six Nations Tournament against Ireland (October 31).

Then get into the Autumn Nations Cup, a competition created for the occasion with Fiji (November 15), Scotland (22) and Italy (28) on the program, before a final classification match (5 December).

The FFR was quick to welcome a decision taken "in the interest of French rugby".

"This decision, she reacts, will allow the management of the XV de France Masculin to benefit international players in accordance with the international period from October 19 to December 5, as defined by rule 9 of World Rugby. "

A rule on the provision of internationals modified exceptionally in order to catch up with the meetings postponed or canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to bail out the funds of the federations damaged by the health crisis.

- A new "necessary" convention -

"A modification of the relevant provisions of the convention (...) is, contrary to what the Federation maintains in the last state of its writings, necessary", stipulates the summary judge for whom "the internal regulations of World Rugby do not produce no direct effect in national public law ".

And if the judge rejected the request of the LNR, it is because "the intention of the Federation cannot in the state be regarded as a unilateral decision" because it does not have the "competence nor to adopt it. nor to ensure its execution ".

In short, to extend the international window from three to seven weeks - one match per week plus one rest - the modification of the agreement, dating from 2018, is a mandatory step.

However, discussions have stalled for weeks and the Blues must meet within ten days, on October 19, in Marcoussis.

Without a new version, the 2018 convention will prevail, believes the League contacted by AFP and which intends to ask the FFR to meet urgently.

And the Blues could only have 3 matches on the program ... instead of the 5 accepted by their employers.

© 2020 AFP