Even Macron is worried
Racism controversy outrages France ahead of Rugby World Cup
September 7, 2023, 4:08 p.m
The French national rugby team is expecting a special game at the start of the World Cup: 80,000 fans at the Stade de France will support the team against New Zealand. But the host is accompanied by controversy surrounding a player. This also worries the head of state.
Tears welled up in Bastien Chalureau’s eyes and he held the microphone tightly with his trembling hand. “I’m not a racist,” said the French rugby international in a faltering voice: “I bring people together. The beauty of rugby is that it brings people from all communities together.”
But before the opening game of the home World Cup on Friday against the “All Blacks” from New Zealand (9.15 p.m./ProSieben MAXX, ran.de and Joyn), Chalureau’s personality is dividing French society – and spoiling the party atmosphere in his own country. The 31-year-old was sentenced to a six-month suspended prison sentence in 2020 for what the court said was a racially motivated attack on two teammates.
“What I want to tell you is that I have admitted my mistakes, paid my debts and that I reject all allegations of racist remarks,” said Chalureau, who has appealed against the verdict. The second-row striker initially shouldn’t have been part of the French World Cup team. It was only the injury of a teammate that caused Chalureau to be re-nominated – and outrage in the host country.
Macron met the team – and warned
French President Emmanuel Macron is also closely monitoring the difficult situation. At lunch with the team, a microphone picked up his words to national coach Fabien Galthie – and they carried a clear message: “We don’t want the controversy to get out of control.” In an interview with L’Équipe on Wednesday, the head of state said that it would be “better” if Chalureau no longer wore the Bleus jersey if the verdict was confirmed. At the start of the World Cup in front of 80,000 fans at the Stade de France in Paris, Chalureau will initially have no role on the field – Galthie did not name him for the starting line-up or for the substitute bench.
Against the always dangerous “All Blacks”, others should underline the start of the French title hunt with an exclamation mark – and ignite sporting euphoria. There is a lot of pressure, especially on the shoulders of captain Antoine Dupont, as the bookmakers consider France to be one of the big favorites for the “Webb Ellis Cup” alongside New Zealand, defending champions South Africa and the world number one from Ireland.
Rugby superstar Dupont was confident in the run-up to the tournament – and doesn’t seem to be fazed by the unrest surrounding his teammate. “We have never been so well prepared,” he told the AFP news agency. “We are also fortunate to be able to host the competition – and hope for the support of the audience.” Despite the outrage surrounding Chalureau.