Renewed for the 2022-2027 period, the agreement linking the FFR to the LNR provides for the terms and conditions for making internationals available for the next World Cup and the framework for preparing for the competition.
The internationals know what sauce they will be eaten with. While Fabien Galthié took a largely remodeled group to Japan, the leaders of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the National Rugby League (LNR) formalized an agreement for the signing of a new agreement binding them. Valid for the next five years, i.e. until 2027, this text confirms that the staff of the XV of France will be able to select a maximum of 42 players in order to prepare for the matches of the November tour and then of the 6 Nations Tournament 2023.
A group which will then be reduced to 28 elements from Wednesday in the afternoon. A system that will be renewed for the seasons following the 2023 World Cup. In addition, a “ French teams steering committee “, joint between the FFR and the LNR, will be put in place in order to “ ensure the proper implementation of the measures taken “but also do” recommendations to the Steering Committees of the two institutions “.
Just over a year from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the management committees and general assemblies of the FFR and the LNR have approved the 2022-2027 agreement which outlines the ambition of French rugby for the five years to come
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– National Rugby League (@LNRofficiel) July 6, 2022
Two months and four preparation matches for the Blues
This agreement also makes it possible to put black on white the program of the preparation of the XV of France for the World Cup. While the Top 14 final will be scheduled for June 17, 2023, a group of 42 players will be made available to the tricolor staff from June 25 and until August 28. A preparation phase that the tricolor internationals will begin with an internship in Guyana until June 30. Another preparation course is already planned in Monaco and should end on July 16th. At the end of each of these courses, the players will benefit from a few days of rest.
The group will only be reduced to 33 members, the list for the World Cup on August 28 after four preparation matches. Indeed, the XV of France will face Scotland twice on August 5 and 12, then Fiji on August 19 and finally Australia on August 26. In addition, between nine and fourteen players will be released for the first two days of the Top 14 on August 19 and 26, then the nine players excluded will be able to take part in the third day on September 2. The championship will then go dormant for the duration of the World Cup.
