Bastien Chalureau says he is ‘not a racist’ following France World Cup call-up

France lock Bastien Chalureau has denied accusations he is racist following his controversial call-up for the Rugby World Cup.

The 31-year-old Montpellier player is appealing against a suspended six-month prison sentence for a racially-motivated attack in 2020.

Chalureau, who has six Test caps, was added to Les Bleus’ 33-man squad by head coach Fabien Galthie following the injury withdrawal of Paul Willemse.

« Ça ne touche pas que moi, ça touche ma famille et c’est pour ça que j’ai voulu parler devant vous, pour clarifier la situation »