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FFR statement: The latest update in the search for Medhi Narjissi

(Photo by David Ramos/World Rugby via Getty Images)

French rugby officials have opened an internal investigation following Wednesday’s disappearance of Medhi Narjissi, adding that the France U18 team won’t now participate in the tournament they were in South Africa to play in. Instead, they will skip their planned matches versus the hosts South Africa, England and Georgia in the six-team festival starting next Monday and instead fly home.

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The 17-year-old Toulouse fly-half, the son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi, was taking part in a recovery session at Dias Beach on the Cape of Good Horn when he was swept out to sea. He still hasn’t been found, according to the latest media release issued by the FFR and published on rugbyrama.fr.

It read: “The French Rugby Federation has, this Thursday, still no news of the young player Medhi Narjissi, missing since yesterday. Medhi was swept away by a wave this Wednesday afternoon at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa where the men’s under-18 team had been travelling since July 31 to play the international series.

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“In this dramatic and terribly trying context, the FFR offers its full support to his family and loved ones, to his teammates and the supervisors present on site, as well as to his club Stade Toulousain. A police investigation has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of the disappearance. The FFR has also opened an internal investigation.

“According to the initial information gathered, the team was taking part in a recovery session in a cold bath by the sea at Dias Beach in the presence of staff members at a place where the players could stand. As the group was getting out of the water, Medhi was swept away by a wave and then strong currents towards the open sea.

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“As soon as the alert was given of the disappearance, the local authorities mobilised significant resources to find the young player. The search by the National Institute for Sea Rescue resumed this morning.

“In the meantime, in conjunction with the consulate and Stade Toulousain, the FFR has organised the arrival in South Africa of Medhi’s family. They will be accompanied by a member of the national technical management who will also take charge of our internal investigation. A psychological unit has been activated to listen to the young players and their supervisors.

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“Finally, the FFR is cancelling the team’s participation in the international series and is organising its repatriation to France tomorrow where the players and staff will continue to be cared for.”

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M
Mzilikazi 1 hour ago
The numbers show Super Rugby Pacific just got even tougher

I’m not confident that our Australian sides will set“ the heather on fire” this year, as they say in Scotland, or probably in some households, Dunedin too. Starting with Qld., They should, with the roster they have, be the team to beat in Australia, and a tough assignment for any of the NZ teams, either side of the Tasman.


But so far they have been erratic, brilliant plays interspersed with poor handling, poor decision making, and sheer stupidity. The latter highlighted by both McReight and Daugunu, albeit in different games, handling the ball at the ruck, when lying on the ground. Would like to see a “stupidity fine” for such actions, say $1000.00 for first offence…and that is a serious comment.


I would see this weekend in Christchurch as a tough one for the Reds, especially without LSL still, and now Flook and Uru. Any team with Will Jordan has to be respected.


The Waratahs sit on two wins, but by 1 and five points only. Their roster is strong, but still they don’t look a cohesive team yet. The Force are a far better team this year, and could well cause an upset in this upcoming game.


I think the Brumbies will struggle more this year to get up over the top sides, especially the NZ teams, and away from home. I feel Stephen Larkham has a ceiling as a coach, which he is struggling the breach. Taking on the Blues in Auckland could turn nasty. Vern Cotter’s scrum focus, and success in that aera so far will be a big test for our side.


Where I see th NZ sides, alll of them, ahead of our teams, is the speed and accuracy of their breakdown work. Their scrum halves have a far easier role than any Australian 9. The other area of superiority for the NZ teams is the speed at which they exploit areas, take chances.


Anyway, upset results so far have certainly made this year far more interesting than previous years. Long may this continue.

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