Bastien Chalureau in tears at the press conference. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP
The second-row of the French XV, embroiled in controversy fueled by France Insoumise deputies, faced the press on Monday. He tried to contain his emotions under a barrage of questions before breaking down and being shaken by tears.
In Rueil-Malmaison
Did you come before the press at the request of Emmanuel Macron, who visited the French XV in the middle of the day ?
Bastien Chalureau : I chose to come and speak to you to clarify the situation.
Also readRugby World Cup: “Make us proud and happy,” Emmanuel Macron’s encouragement to the French XV
And what do you want to say ?
What I can tell you is that, from the first day, I admitted my mistakes, I paid my debts with violence, and I deny all racist remarks. I am not a racist. Following the altercation, I appeared before the judge, accepted my punishment, but completely refute the accusations of racism.
What can you say about the accusations of racism against you ?
I can tell you that I am not racist. I have been denying it from the beginning, I refute these accusations. I made mistakes along the way, I dealt with my alcohol problem, and I underwent a major reassessment.
Also readFrench XV: LFI deputies demand the exclusion of Bastien Chalureau
Have you considered leaving the French team with this controversy ?
The staff knew about my situation, the procedure is old (2020). I wanted to speak to you to address all my teammates, my family… (He starts crying). It doesn’t just affect me, it also affects my family. That’s why I wanted to come before you. I am not a racist, I am a unifier. What makes the beauty of sport and rugby is the unity of many communities.
What is the reaction of your teammates to this controversy ?
There is controversy surrounding my name, but it doesn’t affect anyone within the team. We have known each other for a long time. One more fire is not going to separate us.
Three days that we only talk about this controversy. How do you live it ?
Justice follows its procedure. I refer to justice. I am a professional rugby player and I focus on the field. With Friday’s match, there is enough to think about.
Also read2023 World Cup: “If he has to cry, he has to cry,” Galthié talks to Macron about the controversial case of Chalureau
What is your state of mind ?
I joined the team due to an injury to a teammate and a friend. I sent Paul (Willemse) all my support. I’m sorry for him. I come back to the team with the desire to bring all my energy and fight to achieve the dream together.
Interview in a press conference
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