Disappearance of Medhi Narjissi in South Africa: the missions of the management of the French U18 team “temporarily suspended”

The missions of the members of the management of the French U18 rugby team have been temporarily suspended after the disappearance of a player swept away by a wave in South Africa a week ago, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Thursday.

"Following the latest trip of the national men's under-18 team to South Africa, the French rugby federation has decided to temporarily suspend all management missions of the entire staff", a press release states.

“This decision, taken until further notice, comes while awaiting the final conclusions of the internal investigation that the FFR immediately launched following the tragic disappearance, on August 7, of the young player Medhi Narjissi, swept away by a wave and the current off the Cape of Good Hope”, the same source specifies.

Medhi Narjissi was probably to swim at Diaz Beach

"The first elements collected on site by a member of the national technical management confirm that the site chosen for a players' recovery session presented dangers", underlines the FFR for whom “This is an error of judgment that may constitute individual and/or collective fault. The final conclusions of our investigation will determine who is responsible”.

According to South African authorities, Medhi Narjissi was probably swimming at Diaz Beach, near the Cape of Good Hope, when strong currents swept him into the surfing zone. A teammate who tried in vain to rescue him was able to return to shore unharmed, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

“To date, all staff have been interviewed. The FFR is now preparing to question players from the under-18 team, with all the precautions required by the psychological shock they have suffered”, the FFR further emphasizes, specifying that the first elements of the investigation have been communicated to the Ministry of Sports.

A player for Stade Toulousain trained in Agen, Narjissi, aged 17, was playing in the International Series, a youth competition organized from July 31 to August 21 in South Africa.