Legendary flanker Thierry Dusautoir admits that he has “always had a problem” with Bastien Chalureau being called up to the France squad.
Chalureau made his Les Bleus debut in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series and also featured in the 2023 Six Nations.
He initially missed out on Rugby World Cup selection but was brought into the squad when Paul Willemse was ruled out due to injury.
However, his conviction for a racist attack in November 2020, which resulted in a six-month suspended prison sentence, has come to light.
Move to Montpellier
Chalureau’s contract with Toulouse was immediately cancelled before he joined Montpellier, where he has remained ever since.
The second-row has appealed the verdict and has always denied the attack was racially motivated, but the decision to include him in the squad has come under increasing scrutiny.
Head coach Fabien Galthie defended his call-up but Dusautoir, who knows the victim, has always been concerned by his place in the French side.
“I am a little embarrassed because I am a friend of the victim and I have a fairly strong opinion on this matter,” the former France captain told Canal+. “I have always had a problem with him in the French team.
“Bastien Chalureau was selected in 2022. The facts precede his selection. I am surprised at the timing of this controversy, the facts were made public, but I was not present, there is a procedure. I am aware that I am not objective in this matter.”
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin was also asked about the Chalureau situation, but he played a straight bat in response.
Legal process
“There’s absolutely no place for any form of racism in rugby,” Gilpin said. “It’s important to recognise the legal process. That presumption of innocence continues because the appeal is taking place.”
World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont added: “We’d also like to think rugby is an inclusive sport. It doesn’t matter what colour or religion you are, it doesn’t matter when you put that jersey on.”
French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill also pointed to the appeal process with the case still ongoing.
“First of all, I want to say that racism has no room in rugby,” Grill said.
“When you speak about Bastien, you are talking about him. He has always denied making a racist statement so we should let justice play its role.”
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