31.   He said the vast depth in French rugby meant that Laporte could afford to rotate players in and out of the side without losing quality.

32.   It is almost certain that the man really targetted was French rugby president Bernard Lapasset himself.

33.   A revamped French rugby union squad will face a dual challenge when they depart for a month-long tour of Argentina on Wednesday.

34.   Although the system flouted the amateur rules then in place the French rugby federation closed its eyes to the practice.

35.   Although the system flouted the amateur rules then in place the French rugby federation closed its eyes to a practice which now becomes acceptable.

36.   Andre Herrero announced on Saturday that he will re-consider his decision to quit as French rugby manager.

37.   Andre Herrero quit as manager of the French rugby union team on Thursday.

38.   At the post-game banquet, he publicly challenged the assembled dignitaries of French rugby.

39.   Beziers, Toulouse and Agen qualified for the second phase of the French rugby union championship with two match to go on Saturday night following victories.

40.   Bordeaux-Begles have been relegated from the top flight for financial reasons, the French national rugby league said on Tuesday.