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French coach: Assertion that 'rugby kills' outrageous

Tributes are paid to Nicolas Chauvin. Photo / Getty Images

Pau academy coach James Coughlan has responded to the backlash against rugby following the death of 19-year-old Stade Francais academy player Nicolas Chauvin.

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Chauvin broke his neck during an academy match less than two weeks ago. He suffered a cardiac arrest and brain damage, dying three days later.

“It’s incredibly sad. It’s an extremely difficult time for his family, I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” Coughland said in an interview with RTÉ 2fm’s Game On.

“But I’m thinking of the Gaelic guys who would have died on the pitch as well and that’s why we have cardiac units and defibrillators at all the GAA grounds because of the sudden death syndrome.

“It’s just that, an accident. It’s extremely sad and difficult for everyone to understand. But if we get caught up with it and start changing rules and laws and making decisions based on what’s happened… sometimes it’s just an accident.”

An editorial in French newspaper L’Equipe claimed rugby “nobody can pretend there is any doubt anymore. Rugby kills.” Coughlan weighed in on the statement during his interview.

“It’s an outrageous statement to make. For anyone to say that rugby kills… when you go to the shop, you could step out on the street and a bus hits you. That’s the equivalent of what happened.

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“I think if we lose sight of that it’s a slippery slope.”

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R
RedWarrior 46 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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