The FFR and LNR to change terms of the provision of international players

In this first season of the new 4-year cycle, the FFR and the LNR have agreed to find the best balance between the performance conditions of the French Team and that of the TOP 14 clubs, and to ensure a rotation of selected international players to ensure rest time at the end of the season for very busy players.

6 Nations Tournament 2024

The French team will play 5 matches as part of the 2024 Tournament, including a first match against Ireland on a Friday evening, and two matches (against Italy and Wales) on a Sunday (the other two matches will be played the Saturday).

The Amendment takes into account this specific programming and allows, in accordance with the wishes of the staff of the French Team, the organization of high-intensity training for 34 players on 3 Thursdays (rather than Wednesday) during the 8 weeks of competition.

At the start of the week, the FFR will select 34 players. On Wednesday evening, 28 players will be kept by the coach. The other 6 players will be released to their club and will be able to participate in the TOP 14 the following weekend.

During the weeks of January 22 (1st week of preparation), February 19 (week of the match against Italy scheduled for a Sunday), and March 4 (week of the match against Wales scheduled for a Sunday), 6 new players will join the group for Thursday training. These players will come from TOP 14 clubs other than the 4 clubs with the most players in the group of 34 players who started the week with the French team, with a maximum of one player per club. As far as possible, the FFR will ensure a rotation between the players requested for the 3 Thursdays of these 3 weeks.

During the two weekends without a match (4 and 6) of the 6 Nations Tournament period, 19 players, designated by the coach, will be rested.

Thus, the basis of the current convention is reinforced, and adapted to the particular programming of the matches of this 2024 Tournament, while ensuring a rotation of players in the group by allowing that players who will have little playing time with the XV of France can be aligned in TOP 14.

Summer tour 2024

The French team will play 2 test matches on July 6 and 13, 2024 against Argentina. This Tour will involve a group of 42 players.

The Amendment takes into account two factors in this pivotal year: the resting of the most sought-after players and the construction of the French Team group on the new 4-year project.

Thus, the Tour will only concern players who were little used during the 2024 6 Nations Tournament and/or who will not be finalists of the TOP 14 2023/2024. `

From June 17, a first selection of 28 players will be announced. It will be completed on June 24, in particular by players from clubs having lost in the semi-finals of the TOP 14 to form the group of 42 Players.

In addition to the two test matches of the French team scheduled for July 6 and 13, “France Développement” (2nd national team, not counted as a national selection) will be able to play a match on Sunday June 22 against the British Barbarians, as well as a midweek match during the Argentina Tour against a team yet to be named.

This 2023/2024 amendment covers the short-term sporting deadlines of the season

Exchanges between the FFR and the LNR will continue during the first half of 2024 with a view to agreeing on the arrangements of the Convention over the next 3 seasons with the objective of the 2027 World Cup which will mobilize all the components of French rugby, in the spirit of unity and close collaboration which drives relations between all stakeholders in French rugby.

Jean-Marc LHERMET (Vice-President of the FFR in charge of high level, medical and match officials)  : “ We are proud of this agreement, which represents the best compromise and a carefully negotiated balance between the needs of the clubs and of the national team. This collaboration between the FFR and the LNR is crucial for the development and performance of French rugby. We are committed to maintaining this dynamic and responsive partnership to meet the future challenges and aspirations of our sport. »

Emmanuel ESCHALIER, General Director of the National Rugby League  : “ This new agreement concluded between the FFR and the LNR extends the dynamic of sporting performance and unity of French rugby. In this post-World Cup season, it ensures the best possible balance between the French team and the TOP 14 and positions the players at the center of concerns by formalizing rest times . »