Bernard Laporte, the man, Fiji Rugby Union supported to become World Rugby vice-chairman in 2020, has resigned as French Rugby Federation (FFR) president. This was after (more than one month) being convicted of corruption charges, with clubs rejecting his proposal for Patrick Buisson to take over on an interim basis.

Laporte “self-suspended” himself from his role as World Rugby vice-chair following the outcome of the case, and agreed to temporarily stand down from his FFR role.

According to Inside the Games, Laporte had faced calls to permanently step down, but instead put his proposal for deputy president Buisson to become acting president to a referendum among clubs.

The clubs voted by a 51.06 per cent majority to reject Buisson’s nomination.

French Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has now confirmed that Laporte has left his role.

It is the latest development in a scandal that has marred France’s preparations for hosting the men’s Rugby World Cup later this year.

Oudéa-Castéra had urged Laporte to fully withdraw from the FFR last month after he was found guilty of corruption, bribery and influence peddling by a court in Paris in a case that also involved his friend and Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad, whose construction company sponsors the French national rugby team.

Laporte continued to protest his innocence, and a two-year ban from any position in the sport is not immediately enforceable because of an expected appeal.

However, Buisson welcomed his resignation.

Earlier this week, he was questioned by police in relation to a separate tax fraud investigation, but released without charge.

France is due to host the Rugby World Cup from September 8 to October 28, this year

Story By: Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj