French row puts Wales Test in doubt

WALES’ autumn opener against France is shrouded in confusion as a row between the French Rugby Federation and Top 14 clubs remains unresolved.

The trip to Paris is scheduled for October 24, but it has been in doubt after French clubs launched legal action over the emergency Test window put in place to end a coronavirus-disrupted year – with the FFR wanting players available from October 19 through to December 5.

Friday saw the France Council of State rule against that motion filed by the Ligue Nationale de Rugby – on behalf of the Top 14.

But, rather than that decision paving the way for the FFR to press ahead with its six-game plan, it was highlighted in its outcome that an agreement must still be reached by the FFR and the LNR.

So far, the French clubs have only agreed to a three-match autumn. While there were previous reports that they would likely agree to five games – due to the rescheduling of a delayed 2020 Six Nations fixture and the new Autumn Nations Cup – no such agreement was ever formally made.

And the scheduling of a sixth match with Wales has only exacerbated the difficult situation.

Some French clubs have already stated they simply will not release their players for the Wales match.

In a statement, the FFR said it “welcomes this decision in the interests of French rugby”.

“This decision will allow the management of the French men’s team to benefit from international players in accordance with the international window of 19 October - 5 December, as defined by rule 9 of World Rugby.”

However, L’Equipe report that nothing is certain – reporting that further discussions are now likely.

When asked about the uncertainty of the France match, Wales coach Wayne Pivac said there were plans in place were the match not to go ahead, but they were expecting it to still be on.

“We’re confident the game will go ahead and we will prepare for that match,” said Pivac.

“Obviously, you always have a plan B, internally, if the game doesn’t go ahead.

“For us, though, France are our opposition first up and that’s who we’ll be focusing on in the first couple of weeks.”