“The group experienced this as a trauma”: Fabien Galthié speaks about the turmoil within the XV of France

Fabien Galthié était en conférence de presse ce mardi 9 juillet. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

Le sélectionneur du XV de France, Fabien Galthié, était en conférence de presse ce mardi 9 juillet et a répondu aux questions touchant l’actualité des Bleus.

The time wasn't really for sports news, with the match against Uruguay this Wednesday (7 p.m. French time). Fabien Galthié spent most of the press conference talking about the scandals that have affected the French XV for 72 hours: the video of Melvyn Jaminet and the accusations of sexual assault targeting Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou.

What state are you in after the last two days ?

For the group, it was experienced as a trauma. When the police arrived at the hotel in Buenos Aires, there was a kind of shock. It was a difficult day. It was a hard time for us. It was in very difficult conditions that we prepared for this match.

Were you able to talk to the players??

First of all, a thought for the victim. Afterwards, we spoke with the players, of course. Everything is in order to support all the players, the delegation, following this moment that we are going through.

We will also say that we are uncompromising in respecting the rules, regulations and protecting freedom. Uncompromising. For us, this is fundamental. Currently, we are fortunate to have the president of the Federation (Florian Grill) and Jean Marc Lhermet on site. We are working on extra sports, they are doing everything they can to help Argentine justice and help the players in this difficult moment.

« Cela a ete la sidération pour nous. Voir la police arriver à l hotel. (…) La premiere chose est de penser à la victime. Tout est mis en oeuvre pour aider au mieux la justice, accompagner aussi au mieux l’ensemble de nos joueurs » Fabien Galthié # XVdeFrance pic.twitter.com/0z4DskbxDg

— Fanny Lechevestrier (@fannylechevestr) July 9, 2024

"We have to get through this difficult time"

What state of mind are you in?

Tomorrow's match is very important. It is very important to talk about this team. I can talk to you about the finishers, the team, if you have any questions. We prepared for this match after a day of recovery and travel. Like all the days before a match, we did a team run. In this difficult context, the team will play. No more.

What is the message you want to send to the licensees ?

It is difficult to send one under these conditions. We must first play, wear the jersey, continue living and get through this difficult period.

The image of rugby is catastrophic, how can it get out of it ?

I'll let you comment. We have to get through this difficult time.