Rugby player violently attacked during a match in Aveyron: the French Rugby Federation becomes a civil party.

A rugby player is in a critical condition after being seriously injured in the head during an amateur match on Sunday, the perpetrator of the blow has been placed in police custody.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) told franceinfo on Tuesday, February 24, that it would “be a civil party” after a rugby player was violently struck and seriously injured by another player on Sunday in Aveyron. The incident took place during a reserve (amateur) match between Saverac d’Aveyron and Entente Maureilhan-Montady, a club from Herault.

Still in a coma, a 23-year-old Saverac player received a punch from a Maureilhan-Montady player during the match. His life prognosis is engaged. The rugby player who threw the punches has been taken into police custody for “intentional violence resulting in incapacitation for more than eight days in a sports venue.”

The FFR, in a statement, “strongly condemns the senseless and unacceptable act committed during this match.” “Such actions have absolutely no place on a rugby field. The FFR extends its most sincere thoughts and total support to the victim player, currently in a coma, as well as his family, friends, and the entire club of US Saverac.” A listening unit will also be set up by the federal body.

In addition to the criminal aspect, the FFR ensures that “exemplary measures will be taken in accordance with the seriousness of the facts.” The referee of the match has submitted a detailed report to the regional disciplinary committee. Contacted on Monday by ICI Herault, Joel Castany, the president of the Occitanie rugby league, denounces an “assault.” “This is not an act of rugby. Striking under these conditions is not rugby. We are sadly reflecting the realities of society. There is emotion, I am very touched. What image are we projecting?” he laments.