Bernard Laporte is certainly one of the most influential men in French, if not world, rugby. At 58, he knew everything as a player first, then a coach, before becoming coach of the XV of France. Now president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), he enabled France to organize the World Cup in 2023. An incredible journey for the man who was also Secretary of State for Sports to the Minister of Health, Youth and Sports under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy. Despite this beautiful and long career, he has not forgotten his love life so far.
After a first marriage with a certain Nadine which lasted until 2010, he found love again alongside Manona tax lawyer whom he married in the summer of 2011. The beautiful brunette then went turn to politics, becoming in 2015, regional councilor of Île-de-France under the label of the Republicans. She will quickly take the lead and she finds herself at the top of the list in the municipal elections of 2020 in Paris in the 7th arrondissement, with the support of Cédric Villani. A political battle that she must therefore wage against Rachida Datithe former Minister of Justice. “Everyone trembles in front of her, but not me”launches Manon Laporte at the time, but despite her determination, she does not win the election.
A high-profile trial one year before the World Cup in France
Bernard Laporte and his wife therefore form a close-knit couple and the president of the FFR is going to need it right now, since today a trial opened in Paris in which he is the main accused. The case concerns suspicion of favoritism involving in particular the multi-billionaire businessman Mohed Altrad. The husband of Manon Laporte is suspected of having, for consideration, granted in 2017 to the construction group of the wealthy businessman the first jersey sponsorship contract in the history of the XV of France. The former rugby player will have to answer for “passive corruption” and “illegal taking of interests”.
Bernard Laporte remains presumed innocent of the charges against him until the final judgment.