The tribute French rugby have planned for the missing Medhi Narjissi
Rugby officials in France have organised a tribute for the missing Medhi Narjissi, the Toulouse apprentice who was swept away into the sea off the Cape of Good Hope. The 17-year-old, a son of former Agen hooker Djalil Narjissi, was in South Africa as part of the French U18 team for the International Series.
Professional rugby is set to return for the 2024/25 season in the coming weeks, with Nationale 1 starting on August 23, Pro D2 on August 29 and then the Top 14 on September 7. A minute of applause will be held at all matches in honour of Narjissi.
A statement read: “In agreement with the family of Medhi Narjissi, the French Rugby Federation and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby have decided to pay tribute to the young player from Stade Toulousain and of the French men's U18 team, who tragically disappeared on August 7 in South Africa.
“A minute of applause in honor of Medhi will be organised in the stands and at all grounds in France at each of the first matches of all categories of this 2024/2025 season. In this moment of collective union and contemplation, French rugby would like to salute, with strength and the deepest respect, the memory of one of its great hopes.”
It was last week when the FFR released its first conclusions following the internal investigation it launched into the disappearance of Narjissi. “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.
“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.”
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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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