Laporte to lead France bid despite inquiry
Former coach called to meet sports minister but will make World Cup presentation
Bernard Laporte, the president of the French Rugby Federation, is expected to lead the final presentation of France’s bid to host the 2023 World Cup despite the recent controversy that has overshadowed him, Talk of Rugby understands.
The former head coach was summoned to a meeting with French sports minister Laura Flessel following a dispute over his role in the reduction of a fine imposed on Top 14 club Montpellier last season for a protest banner flown by supporters.
Laporte was in a business relationship with Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad at the time and his intervention was followed by the resignation of seven members of the appeal board.
Flessel has said her office has yet to decide on the controversy as it awaits further “feedback” while French president Emmanuel Macron has withdrawn from the presentation because of a “clash in his schedule”.
But it is understood that Laporte, who has rejected the allegations of misconduct, will head the presentation in London on Sept 25, when host rivals Ireland and South Africa will also make their presentations.
It is understood that any fallout over the Laporte affair will not impact France’s bid. The vote will be made on by the 49 council members on Nov 15 after a World Rugby recommendation of its preferred bid on Oct 31.