The coach of the XV of France, Fabien Galthié, assures this Wednesday in Marcoussis, that Mohamed Haouas, sentenced last week to one year in prison without a warrant, will not be selected for the next World Cup in France (September 8- October 28). “Last week, when he came out of prison, I called him, I spoke with him. I listened to him. I told him that he would not be selected. He replied that he understood, that he apologized to the players and the staff, ”explained the coach of the Blues, in a press conference.
As soon as the conviction of the right pillar (16 selections) known, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) reacted via a press release. “We express our dismay at this situation and condemn in the strongest terms all forms of violence, especially violence against women. The behavior of Mohamed Haouas is inadmissible and incompatible with the representation of our nation at the international level,” the statement said.
The reaction of Serge Simon, vice-president in charge of the French teams, was just as clear. “The conduct of Mohammed Haouas is contrary to the principles that underpin our sport and our national team. Being a member of the France team implies irreproachable respect for the values of respect and integrity. Firmness is our duty in such circumstances.”
“I did not survey the players but I spoke a lot with them, also added Fabien Galthié. We needed to swap. I will keep for us the content of the exchanges, it remains intimate. But it’s not good news for him, it’s not good news for us.” Haouas had already been sentenced in February 2022 to an 18-month suspended prison sentence, for robberies of tobacco shops in Montpellier, in 2014. On May 12, during a second trial, for his participation in a violent fight on January 1 2014, the prosecution had requested a two-year suspended sentence. The deliberation in this case is expected on June 30.
