French rugby federation bans alcohol and proposes drug tests in bid to improve discipline

The organisation announced twenty new measures to change the behaviour in and around the squad.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has introduced a ban on players drinking alcohol during national team gatherings as part of efforts to improve discipline following a series of controversies off the field this year.

The sporting body has proposed a 20-step programme to change the atmosphere within the current squad, with the hopes that improvements off the field will lead to better performances on it.

Among the measures put forward is a proposal to introduce drug and alcohol testing.

Last month, Springboks winger Sbu Nkosi received a three-year-ban from World Rugby after testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

This means that Nkosi will already be 31 by the time he will be allowed to return to action following his suspension. As a result, his chances of representing South Africa at Test level again will be very slim.

"These are places where the players are there to try and develop their physical and tactical abilities to the best of their ability," FFR vice president Jean-Marc Lhermet told reporters after the measures had been laid out.

"The consumption of alcohol is not authorised in these places."

A series of controversial incidents earlier this year brought about the need for change, according to the FFR.

In July, full-back Melvyn Jaminet was handed a 34-week ban following a racist social media post during the squad's Argentina tour.

During that same tour, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were arrested for alleged sexual assault. Both players denied any wrongdoing.

Then, a month later, France Under-18 team member Medhi Narjissi was swept away by a rip tide while swimming in a recovery session after training during a South African tour.

Tragically, his body was not recovered.

France head coach Fabien Galthie insisted that all of his players backed the measures.

"We did a questionnaire and all the players said yes," he said. "It was a logical and coherent development in relation to what had happened."

France will take on Japan, New Zealand and Argentina as part of next month's Autumn Nations Series.