The XV of France, which has not faced the British selection since 1989, could once again play in the years to come a match against the British Lions. Thursday, the vice-president of the FFR Abdelatif Benazzi revealed that discussions were underway on this subject.
Towards reunion between the Blues and the British Lions? Almost forty years after the last confrontation between the two selections, the XV of France could again soon cross the road to this team bringing together the best English, Welsh and Irish players. Thursday, without guaranteeing that the negotiations around a possible meeting would lead, Abdelatif Benazzi revealed that discussions were underway on this subject.
“This is advancing, but nothing is formal,” said AFP the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, which particularly attaches great importance to what the two teams are found as quickly as possible. “I think that we have lost a lot of time since 1989,” said the former player of the French team, believing that “collaboration with our neighbors is something possible”. And not anecdotal with regard to the influence of this selection which had dominated the French thirty-six years ago (29-27), during the latter and only confrontation between the two teams. Benazzi also says she is not at all indifferent to this “human wave” as well as “the craze that British lions arouse in all countries. »»
The XV of France female in the face of the British lionesses also?
The match in question should not take place right away nevertheless. The old second line of Agen thinks that it will not be possible to organize the meeting for several years. The former international-Moroccan then French-does not speak of a date, but a match would be in the pipes in 2029 (before the departure of the French for 2029), to believe Olympic Midi. In addition, the first female team of the British Lions is preparing to see the light of day. And she could quickly play a match against the XV of France women. A meeting in 2027 would be under study. Benazzi also believes that it is necessary to “absolutely find a new approach to boost the image of rugby worldwide. »»
