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FFR statement: Investigation updated on the missing Medhi Narjissi
By Willy Billiard
While the young Toulouse player Medhi Narjissi is still officially missing at sea, the French Rugby Federation have released its very first conclusions following the internal investigation it launched. "Following the latest trip of the national men's U18 team to South Africa, the French Rugby Federation have decided to temporarily suspend all supervision missions for all staff," the FFR announced in a press release.
"This decision, taken until further notice, comes pending 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 first elements collected on site by a member of the national technical management confirm that the site chosen for a player recovery session presented dangers. This is an error of judgment that could constitute individual and/or collective fault. The final conclusions of our investigation will make it possible to determine responsibilities.
"As it has undertaken, the French Rugby Federation remain determined to shed full light on the precise circumstances of the tragedy. To date, the entire staff has been interviewed. The FFR is now preparing to question players from the U18 team, with all the precautions required by the psychological shock they have suffered.
"The French Rugby Federation have also communicated the initial information it has to the Ministry of Sports, which is responsible for two government officials present on the FFR staff in South Africa, so that the latter can make an appropriate decision."
On Thursday, police spokesman FC van Wyk said there was still no sign of a body washed ashore. "The search will continue every day, weather conditions permitting," he said. National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon added that many organisations were helping.
Florian Grill, the president of the FFR, admitted a few days earlier to rugbyrama.fr: "This time, it was not a swim but rather a regeneration in the water. But yes, it was not recommended."
About Medhi's family, including his father Djalil Narjissi, the former Agen hooker whom he had contacted personally to tell him the tragic news, Grill added: "Anger is normal. All the (legal) actions that could take tomorrow are also understandable."
Toulouse, meanwhile, have launched a kitty "intended to cover the expenses and needs that the family will have to assume to face this dramatic situation. Our club will be present, today and in the periods to come, to support the Narjissi family with all the kindness and solidarity that they will need."
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Latest Comments
Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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