Rugby Federation Leadership Faces Court Over Player Death Supervision
Rugby federation leadership faces court over U18 player's death as disciplinary actions target key officials.
Event / Disaster
Medhi Narjissi Drowning Investigation
French rugby player Medhi Narjissi, 17, disappeared at sea during a France U18 national team training camp in South Africa in August 2024. An administrative investigation identified deficient preparation and inadequate supervision by the French Rugby Federation. Two staff members were charged with involuntary manslaughter, with ongoing legal proceedings examining institutional accountability for youth athlete safety.
3 reported locations
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Apr, 12:07 UTC
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What happened
French rugby federation president convoked to court in Narjissi investigation
Florian Grill, president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), was convoked to appear before the Agen tribunal on Friday as part of the judicial investigation into Medhi Narjissi's disappearance. The hearing could result in charges of involuntary manslaughter or witness status. This was Grill's second hearing; he was previously questioned in October 2024 when the investigation began.
Administrative inquiry identifies deficient preparation and inadequate supervision in France U18 training camp
An administrative investigation conducted by the General Inspectorate of Education, Sports and Research (IGESR) found deficient preparation of the training camp by the FFR and insufficiently formalized responsibilities among the U18 coaching staff. The FFR acknowledged these preparation failures but attributed them to inherited issues from previous governance.
Investigation into Narjissi disappearance upgraded from missing person case to involuntary manslaughter
The judicial investigation, initially opened in September 2024 as a missing person case, was later reclassified as involuntary manslaughter, reflecting the legal determination that the circumstances surrounding Narjissi's death warranted criminal investigation.
Former France U18 manager suspended for two years over training camp supervision
Stéphane Cambos, the former manager of the France U18 team, was suspended for two years, with one year being mandatory. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter by the Agen tribunal in connection with the training camp incident.
17-year-old rugby player Medhi Narjissi disappeared at sea during France U18 training camp in South Africa
Medhi Narjissi, a 17-year-old player for Stade Toulousain, disappeared in the sea on August 7, 2024, during a recovery session organized on a beach near Cape of Good Hope in South Africa as part of a France U18 rugby team training camp. His body was never recovered.
France U18 rugby team physical trainer revoked from public service
Robin Ladauge, the physical trainer for the France national team coaching staff during the training camp, was revoked from public service in August 2025. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter by the Agen tribunal.
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2 alternative perspectives
France U18 Camp Inquiry Reveals Supervision Gaps in Player's Death
Administrative inquiry reveals supervision gaps in France U18 rugby camp where player Medhi Narjissi disappeared at sea.