Rugby. Harassment and sexual assault: a former physiotherapist for the French women's rugby sevens team dismissed

A former physiotherapist for the French women's rugby sevens team has been dismissed by the French Rugby Federation (FFR), the body announced on Wednesday, confirming information from RMC.

"The FFR confirms that it has notified the physiotherapist employed by the Federation of the immediate termination, without notice or compensation and for serious misconduct, of the employment contract already suspended as a precautionary measure since reports received in January 2025," the FFR stated in a press release.

These reports triggered the launch of an "investigation carried out by an external firm, in particular among members and staff of the French rugby sevens teams between 2017 and 2022," the FFR specifies.

Suspended as a precautionary measure in the U20s

"The preliminary report of this investigation, sent to the FFR on April 29, 2025, mentions actions that could be classified as harassment and sexual assault," the body continued, saying it had "decided to proceed with the dismissal." It also chose "to send a report to the public prosecutor and provide him with all the information at its disposal."

According to RMC, three French international players between 2017 and 2022 reported inappropriate behavior during treatment provided by this physiotherapist. After 2022, he joined the coaching staff of the French U20 men's team, before being relieved of his duties during the 2025 Six Nations Tournament, which the Bleuets won .

This suspension was initially implemented "as a precautionary measure" so that the initial report could be analyzed before leading to an investigation. The FFR also assures that it will "offer to provide free legal and psychological support to anyone wishing to file a complaint regarding these facts."