French rugby federation blames 'poorly managed' supervision for youth player drowning in Cape Town

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Thursday it questioned the role of administrative supervisors from the Ministry of Sport following the death of France under-18 player Medhi Narjissi last month.

Narjissi was reported missing on 7 August after going swimming in the sea in Cape Town, South Africa, where France were preparing for a youth tournament.

Employees and volunteers from the French Ministry of Sport often join national sports teams as supervisors.

The FFR asked the ministry to end the work of the supervisors, known as technical sporting advisors, who were with the federation in South Africa.

"The proceedings and supervision of the sessions seem to have been poorly managed," the FFR said in a statement after finishing its investigation.

"Notably down to the lack of clear instructions from supervisors given to members of the coaching staff and players

"Once on site, the warning signs about the danger of the site were not considered, which seems to be particularly questionable considering the dramatic consequences," it added.

South African authorities said Narjissi had been swimming at Diaz Beach, near the Cape of Good Hope, when strong rip currents swept him into the surf zone.

At the end of August, Narjissi's family, including his father and former professional player Djalil demanded an investigation be opened by local French authorities.

During a press conference, former Agen and Castres hooker Djalil Narjissi blamed members of the France under-18s coaching staff.

"It's the France fitness coach who made the decision to take them down there," Narjissi said.

"It's incomprehensible," he added.