Disgraced French rugby president Bernard Laporte has walked away from his position as vice-president of World Rugby as his nation prepares to host the World Cup.
In a statement, World Rugby confirmed Laporte had “self-suspended” from all positions having earlier received a two-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges.
The WR statement read:
“World Rugby notes the decision by World Rugby Vice-Chairman Bernard Laporte to self-suspend from all positions held within its governance structures with immediate effect following his conviction by the French court in relation to domestic matters, and pending his appeal.
“While acknowledging Laporte’s self-suspension and right of appeal, given the serious nature of the verdict World Rugby’s Executive Committee has referred the matter to its independent ethics officer for review in accordance with its integrity code.
“World Rugby will not be making further comment until the conclusion of the independent process.”
The 58-year-old said he would appeal the suspended two-year prison sentence he received on Tuesday after being found guilty of corruption.
The court found Laporte had ensured a series of marketing decisions favourable to close friend and owner of Montpellier rugby club Mohed Altrad – who was given an 18-month suspended sentence and €50,000 fine – in exchange for a €180,000 image licensing contract.
Laporte’s rival Florian Grill, who narrowly lost to him in the 2020 election for federation chief, called for Laporte and the entire board to stand down.
“It is unheard of in rugby, this is an earthquake,” he told AFP.
“We have never before seen a president of the federation condemned to two years in prison, even if it suspended.
“We think the 40 members of the board of directors should draw the obvious conclusions and resign.”
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said the sentence was an “obstacle for Bernard Laporte to be able, as it stands, to continue his mission in good conditions” as federation president.
Oudea-Castera called for a “new democratic era to allow French rugby to rebound as quickly as possible and sufficiently healthy and solid, with a governance by the federation that will have the full confidence of the clubs”.
Altrad’s lawyer said he would study the decision before deciding on whether to appeal.
Wallaroos star Iliseva Batibasaga has retired from the Wallaroos, capping off a near 20-year career that ultimately concluded at the recent Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Batibasaga is the longest tenured Wallaroo, having made her debut for Australia against South Africa at the 2006 Rugby World Cup in Canada.
As Wallaroo Number 87, the product of Norths Eagles in Brisbane has represented her country at scrum-half 26 times, remarkably scoring her first try in her penultimate match against Wales at the Rugby World Cup.
Despite retiring from international Rugby, Batibasaga will continue to play for the Waratahs.
“I originally planned to step down in 2021 – after the World Cup – but the pandemic foiled those timelines,” she said.
“The World Cup was moved to 2022, and I had a choice to make: should I push for another year, or retire now?
“With the help of family, coaches, friends, a sports psychologist and some time away from rugby, I decided to give my all for one last year.”
The former Sevens player looked back fondly on her many years in the national program.
“I was only 21 years old when I first sang the national anthem as a Wallaroo – I think I made it through two words before I started crying,” she said.
“Being able to relive my experiences at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this year, and seeing the various stages of my career reflected in my teammates and their journeys has been so special.”
Former England coach Eddie Jones will take charge of the Barbarians for their game against a World XV at Twickenham in May, the team said on Tuesday.
Jones, 62, was sacked by England’s Rugby Football Union last week following a year in which England won only five of their 12 Tests.
He’s being heavily linked to several positions including a potential return to Australia.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to Twickenham Stadium — a venue I have so many fond memories of,” Jones said. “I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show.”
Jones coached the Barbarians in their 33-31 defeat by Fiji in 2019 and his England side were beaten 52-21 by the invitational team in June.
Eddie Jones. (Photo by Mark Evans – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
The Australian, who has been linked with the United States side as well as a role back home, said he was looking forward to the May 28 clash with the world team led by former New Zealand coach Steve Hansen.
“Going up against Steve rekindles a great rivalry which started in our days competing in Super Rugby and progressed into the international arena,” Jones added.
“It’ll be a great challenge and one I’m sure we’re both relishing.”
Warren Gatland has returned to Wales promising “something special” but downplaying his own ambition to bring the British and Irish Lions Down Under in 2025.
Gatland, who led the Lions to South Africa last year, backed Ireland coach Andy farrell for the prestigious position.
Gatland is back for a second stint in charge of Wales, taking over from fellow Kiwi Wayne Pivac who was sacked after a disastrous autumn campaign that included a first loss to Georgia in a year that had just three wins from 12 Tests
.”I wouldn’t be here unless I thought we were capable of winning things,” Gatland told a press conference.
“I’ve never been afraid to take on a challenge and I believe we can do something special.
“I look at success as not always about winning, but about over-achieving. What are the expectations at the moment? I’d probably need a discussion on that. But you’ve always got to believe and dream.
“My upbringing in New Zealand, we always believed if you work hard, you get results. That’s always been my attitude.
“I don’t think things have changed from when I arrived at the end of 2007. There’s always been expectation and history in Wales. For us as a team, it’s about working hard and preparing to perform well and get results.”
Gatland proved that in his previous 12-year tenure when Wales won three Grand Slams.
Wales will be hoping for a quick fix and Gatland knows the pressure is on him to turn things around with a Six Nations looming and the World Cup in France to follow.
“Coaching is a rollercoaster, but you’re judged on two things, the Six Nations and doing well in a World Cup year. That’s my focus.” he said at the top table as he was flanked by his bosses.
“It’s about creating an environment where there are no excuses, so when players come into camp, you can get the best out of them. That’s what we’ve prided ourselves on in the past.
“The hardest thing is the limited time before the Six Nations. Facing Ireland first and at home probably isn’t the worst thing. They’re the best team in the world, so you want them at home. If you win that, then you’ve got a great chance of doing well.
“The advantage I’ve got is I am pretty familiar with the place. I know my way around. It is not as if I am coming in cold.”
Gatland was also asked about his chances of helming the Lions.
“If you are picking a Lions coach at the moment, there is only one person that I think is in contention, and he is across the water and living in Dublin at the minute. If you are successful, those opportunities come along.”
Farrell has taken Ireland to No.1 in the world rankings and was in charge as they beat the All Blacks in New Zealand earlier this year.
“I hadn’t even thought about that (Lions tour). I am just thinking about the next 10 months,” Gatland said.
“I am well aware of how important the Six Nations and World Cup are next year.
“I don’t plan my pathway. I am a believer of if you are in the right place at the right time, then opportunities come along. What will be, will be.”
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