Bernard Laporte-Serge Simon, the duo at the head of French rugby.

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FRANCK FIFE / AFP

The French Rugby Federation (FFR), led by Bernard Laporte, voted on Saturday at its general financial assembly to create a post of deputy president, a modification of the internal regulations denounced as a "coup" by the opposition.

Christian Dullin, the secretary general of the FFR, justified the resolution adopted by 61.32% of the votes - representing a little less than half of the clubs - by a need for "modernization" and "simplification" of the institution based in Marcoussis.

"The president cannot be everywhere and represent the Federation everywhere," explained Vice-President Serge Simon.

A tailor-made job for Serge Simon according to Ovale Ensemble

The opposition to the governance in place, embodied by the president of the Ile-de-France League Florian Grill, narrowly defeated during the re-election of Laporte in early October, had on Thursday denounced a "coup".

"Everyone will have understood that it is in fact a question of appointing Serge Simon to the post of deputy president of the French Rugby Federation", warned the elected Ovale Ensemble, for whom "Bernard Laporte has no ambition only for his future at World Rugby ”, of which he was elected vice-president in early May.

"I will always be present", defends Laporte

“Not at all,” replied Laporte: “I will stay in my post until the end.

I was elected vice-president of World Rugby, it's a lot of work, it's roughly a meeting every two days.

The modification of the rules of procedure does not go at all in the sense of delegating in the sense that I will no longer be there.

On the contrary, I will always be present.

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For Ovale Ensemble, Laporte wishes to delegate the management of the FFR to Simon, "previously augmented as well as all general management".

"The law does not allow it", swept Laporte.

"The remuneration given to me has never been increased, it is a lie," said Simon, who clarified that the remuneration linked to his presence on the World Rugby board was paid to the FFR.

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