By Priscilla Rotich
In response to the disappearance of Medhi Narjissi on Wednesday, French rugby officials have launched an internal investigation.
The French U18 national team has decided not to continue its participation in the planned tournament in South Africa.
Instead of competing against hosts South Africa, England and Georgia in the upcoming six-team festival, which begins next Monday, they have opted to return home.
Medhi Narjissi, a 17-year-old Toulouse hooker and son of former Agen hooker Jalil Narjissi, was taking part in a recovery session at Dias Beach on the Cape of Gut Horn when he was swept out to sea. According to the FFR’s latest press release, he has not yet been found.
“As of today, Thursday, the French Rugby Federation still has no news about the young player Medhi Narjissi, who has been missing since yesterday,” the French Rugby Federation said in a statement.
The FFR added: “Medhi was swept away by a wave on Wednesday afternoon at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, where the men’s national under-18 team had been travelling since July 31 to take part in the international series.”
The FFR said it was offering its full support to the missing player’s family, relatives, teammates and support staff, as well as to his club Stade Toulousain, in this difficult situation. It added that both police and internal investigations had been launched to clarify the circumstances of the disappearance.
According to reports, initial information suggests that the team recovered in a cold bath at Dias Beach, where the players were able to stand under the supervision of staff.
As the group left the water, Medhi was swept towards the open sea by a wave and strong currents.
South Africa Rugby has expressed its condolences and offered support while local authorities have mobilised resources for the search.
The National Institute for Maritime Rescue has resumed search operations and the FFR, in coordination with the consulate and the Stade Toulousain, has organised the trip of Medhi’s family to South Africa.
A member of the National Technical Management will accompany the youngsters and also oversee the internal investigation. In addition, a psychological unit has been set up to provide support to the young players and their coaches.
Following the incident, the FFR has decided to cancel the team’s participation in the international series and arrange for its return to France, where it will continue to receive support and assistance.
