Rugger Girls: Part 8

1980s: AFRF - FFR: FACE TO FACE

Eighth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby, from the book "Rugger Girls"("Des Filles en Ovalie"), written by Jacques B. Corti and Yaneth Pinilla Foreword by Serge Betsen. Published weekly(ish) by French women's rugby blog Des Filles en Ovalie.

At the beginning  the 1980s major projects inspire AFRF. We dreamt of a team representing France. Claude Izoard: "When this idea began to take hold, we immediately saw that the FFR was interested. All of a sudden they gave more attention to our arguments."

On October 26, 1982 a Memorandum of Understanding is signed yet with the FFR. In some ways it marks the end of the "illegality" of the women's rugby. From that date the girls could play freely, develop their game in schools rugby, coaches licenced by the AFRF could follow the training and coaching of the FFR, clubs could open male and female sections, and FFR referees and officials could be appointed to female matches.

But a memorandum of agreement is not the rugby equivalent of "open sesame". Recognition of girls by the FFR was not instantaneous because the bureaucracy gets involved. Not until December 16, 1983 does the Ministry of Youth and Sport agree (Circular No. 1.S.131.Y ). Finally, women's clubs can, theoretically at least, receive subsidies from the government.

Under the leadership of the Ministry, AFRF becomes, May 23, 1984, the French Rugby Federation Women, FFRF. And the headquarters moves from Toulouse to Bourg-en-Bresse.

NEXT... 1980s: THE NATIONAL TEAM