Russia “didn’t play by rules” in Kazan says French manager
Ahead of the crucial second leg of the European Women’s Grand Prix Series in Malemort, French women’s sevens manager Jean-Jacques Gourdy has accused the Russia organisers of last weekend’s leg in Kazan of “clearly not complying with the rules of the game.”
Published by John Birch, June 19th, 2015
3 minute read
In a remarkably frankinterview with local newspaperLe Populaire,Gourdy (who is also in the regional rugby committee) details a number of ways in which France and the other visiting teams were disadvantaged compared to the Russian team.
“We can clearly say that the Russians have done all they could to help their team win,” he said. “Do not be afraid to say it. The organization, reception, playing conditions, were all unfit for a tournament of this standard.”
What do you mean?
“The teams were not housed in the same location. The specifications of the IRB says all teams staying at the same place. But in Kazan, this was not the case. We were in a university city with all that that entails. In Kazan, the sun rises at 2:00 am and the shines at 3:30. Strangely, none of the rooms of our players had any shutters or blackout curtains.
“At the stadium, there were three teams per changing room while the Russians benefitted from a quiet and air conditioned environment. And so on ...
“The conditions were not optimal and Russia clearly did not comply with the rules of the game.”
And, to make matters worse,les Bleuswere pitted against those Russians in the final ...
“The final ... We dominated the game, and we were leading and then there was this yellow card, somewhat questionable, that tipped the balance. I prefer to remember the semi-final against England where the girls had a very good game.”
“But even if there were problems in Kazan, we must not forget that Russia has a great VIIs team. Their preparation, behind New Zealand, Australia and Canada, is one of the best in the world. The country is ahead of France in this sport. If we want to avoid going out to the calculator, we have to knock them out in the semi-finals.”
What is your view onFrance'spool - Portugal, the Netherlands and Wales?
“It seems to me that this is the most difficult of the tournament, even if none of these three teams play in the World Series. We will need to stay calm and play our game if we are to go to the Olympics - but the girls deserve it.”