France’s sports ministry will host a meeting of security and football officials Monday following the chaos that marred football’s Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, as Paris prepares to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
France lock Paul Willemse says he does not regret giving up his dream of playing for South Africa and that he is looking forward to facing the Springboks during the November Test window.
France lock Paul Willemse has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after his club Montpellier announced he will be sidelined for two months with knee damage.
France will kick off the defence of their Six Nations title in 2023 in Rome against Italy on February 5 and wrap up at home against Wales on March 18.
Former Vodacom Bulls lock Paul Willemse says no one from SA Rugby made any effort to convince him not to play for France, or that he had a future representing the Springboks.
Eighthman Duane Vermeulen says high-flying France will be the team to beat when the Springboks travel to Europe for their end-of-year tour in November.
France captain Antoine Dupont was named as the Six Nations Player of the Championship on Friday after leading Les Bleus to a Grand Slam.
France’s Grand Slam-winning coach Fabien Galthie confirmed Wednesday he is to take charge of the invitational side, the Barbarians, for a match against England in June.
The Springboks’ No 1 spot at top of the world’s rankings is under siege from France, after Les Bleus replaced the All Blacks in second place behind South Africa in World Rugby’s official standings.
France rugby coach Fabien Galthie has been rewarded for his side’s stunning Six Nations triumph with a four-year contract extension until 2027.
