In the crowded amphitheater of Marcoussis, the headquarters of the FFR in Essonne, the applause transformed into a standing ovation. This Saturday shortly after 1 p.m., Florian Grill was proclaimed president of the French Rugby Federation for a four-year mandate after his victory against his opponent Didier Codorniou with 67.22% of the votes. Called to the desk, the 59-year-old man, already in place at the head of the institution for fifteen months, struggled to contain his emotion. “My first thought goes to Medhi Narjissi (the captain of the French under-18 team who disappeared at sea during a recovery session in a cove on the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa) and his family , he began. I also think of Didier Codorniou. The votes cast on him will be represented in the strategic office (new name of the federal office). » The business leader then returned to a stormy campaign and to the files he is preparing to open.
Did you expect such a victory?
Florian Grill. I hoped to do better than the 58% obtained fifteen months ago. But this score is really satisfactory. It’s a lot. These results engage us. I come out of this campaign rinsed but also transcended.
Will this campaign, marked by violent attacks between the two camps, leave any traces?
I had a very difficult time with it. Not just the campaign but this entire period. There was the drama (the disappearance of Medhi Narjissi on August 7) and the events (the racist remarks of Jaminet and the accusations of rape of Auradou and Jegou during the tour of the XV of France in Argentina in July). You shouldn’t hide behind your little finger or sweep the dust under the rug. We will quickly put in place a new framework for the French rugby teams.
“Investing in rugby is good for society”
Is the image of rugby damaged for you?
We cannot say the opposite. We have to work. In all areas. But I don’t want all these events to cast a dark veil over all that is good. There are 360,000 members of French rugby and 60,000 volunteers who do incredible work. This sport has an undeniable societal impact. Whether we are talking about health, obesity or social connections in cities or rural areas. This is what I want to show to companies. Investing in rugby is good for society.
What will be your first projects?
First, adjust the FFR accounts (the forecast deficit in 2024 would be 10 million euros). There will be no social plan or tax on clubs but we will probably not replace all those retiring. We are asking for reductions from all our suppliers. We will be careful with all expenses. An internship in Marcoussis where we are at home is cheaper than in the provinces for example. We also want to revive amateur rugby. This is why we established a Marshall plan of 20 million euros.
And what about the XV of France?
I have high expectations for the fall tour. We have to switch to rugby and this tour promises to be exciting with the arrivals of Japan (November 9 at the Stade de France), New Zealand (November 16 at the Stade de France) and Argentina (November 22 at the Stade de France). Stade de France). Until then, we will give the conclusions of the States General on the measures to be taken on the ethics of the French teams.
