Bernard Laporte: “They will not take it to paradise”, the ex-president of the FFR speaks again

Sentenced on December 13, 2022 to two years in prison for corruption in favor of the president of Montpellier Mohed Altrad, Bernard Laporte, resigned president of the French Federation eight months ago, now sees himself as an “ordinary supporter of the team of France”, he, the great absentee from the World Cup of which he was the great promoter. “Without bitterness or jealousy,” he insists.

You have not received an invitation from the Federation for the France-All Blacks match on September 8. How did you take it?

It lacked elegance, class, respect but that doesn’t matter. What I wanted was for this event to be grandiose. So I definitely don’t want to make a controversy. You know, what made me happy was when I went to the Vélodrome (in Marseille) to see two matches during the first weekend (England-Argentina, South Africa-Scotland).

I told my friends: “I always entered everywhere via the red carpet, I now want to go to the stadium like everyone else”. And it was complicated on Saturday! People kept stopping me to say, “Thank you, Bernard.” It made me really happy. I prefer that to a controversy that puts me forward. It is the World Cup that must be highlighted.

There is no room for bitterness or jealousy, life is too short.

So you’re voluntarily withdrawing?

Absolutely. I want us to talk about the French XV, the World Cup, France, that’s the most important thing. The controversy should not exist, but afterward, some people need to look in the mirror.

The World Cup in France was won during your mandate. Are you frustrated at not reaping the benefits?

I promise you no. When I stop doing something and move on to something else, I’m not one to dwell on it. I’ll think about it when I’m in the coffin. There is no room for bitterness or jealousy, life is too short.

No feeling of injustice?

For not having been invited, yes. The rest no. I took a beating but honestly it makes me laugh. It’s like hitting children on the head when they are right. It doesn’t hurt them. It was me who resigned, I decided to leave.

Rather, you were pushed to leave under business pressure…

Yes, it is like that. I’m not calculating, so why be frustrated if you are World Champion.

In France, we don’t like successful people, we know that. There are small ones coming but they don’t last.

Do you hold a grudge against someone?

That’s personal. If I have a grudge, it’s against dishonest people, not against a system, that’s clear. But you know, they won’t take it to heaven. You have to let time take its course, it always does things well. In France, we don’t like successful people, we know that. There are small ones coming but they don’t last.

Are you referring to your successor Florian Grill?

No not at all. You’re the one talking about it.

Have you seen the Blues since the start of the competition?

I saw them, it doesn’t concern anyone, it only concerns us. If I have to see them again, I will see them again but I am not asking. I communicate a lot with some people but I am not demanding.

How do you pace your daily life?

I watch all the matches. Last weekend, I was passionate in front of my TV, like an average supporter, that’s what I want to be. I am one of the supporters of the France team.

Do you believe in his chances of winning the Webb Ellis Trophy?

I believe in her deeply. I believe in Fabien (Galthié), I believe in this staff that we both built together. Shaun Edwards (defense coach), I signed him, like a lot of other stuff. Afterwards, anything can happen, the adventure can end in the quarter-final. For me, four teams can win: France, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.

On the other hand, what the Blues have done over the past four years is phenomenal. When Galthié took the team there were 8^e in the world rankings and, today, she is in the top three, with more than 80% victories. I told the players before the start of the competition: “You are extraordinary, do something that no one has ever done.”

the three titles of World Champions under 20, don’t you think that’s my pride?

The French XV this time has the necessary maturity and talent?

This is obvious, even if they are not alone. To say that we are better than Ireland and South Africa would be pretentious. But to say that we are at their level is a reality. However, this was really not the case when I arrived at the head of the Federation (December 3, 2016).

That, plus the three Under-20 World Champions titles, don’t you think that’s my pride? I also created the “National” championship, I built the Federation from 106 to 142 M€… And I am very proud of it.

If I like a challenge and I am called for an exciting challenge, I will say banco. I still want to win.

What do you expect from the legal consequences concerning you (he appealed his conviction)?

To show that we didn’t do anything. I’m confident, I know what happened. Everyone makes mistakes, but in this context, no. I haven’t done anything dishonest. If I had taken money from the Federation, it would have been dishonest, but that is not the case, the Federation has not suffered any inconvenience.

I’m straight in my boots. We are both sanctioned (Altrad and him) but I notice that the Federation did not hesitate to re-sign with the sponsor Altrad, it’s funny, right? It more than validates my innocence.

If I like a challenge, I will say banco. I still want to win.

It’s hard to imagine you being away from the rugby world for a long time…

There’s a chance I’ll come back. It’s not that I’m itchy but I’m like everyone else, I like to be desired. If I like a challenge and I am called for an exciting challenge, I will say banco. I still want to win.