French rugby moves to avert strike

French League president Serge Blanco plans to meet with players' union president Serge Simon over the weekend in a bid to avert…

French League president Serge Blanco plans to meet with players' union president Serge Simon over the weekend in a bid to avert a strike.

The French Rugby Federation on Thursday issued a statement saying Blanco and Simon would discuss the players' grievances at a venue yet to be announced.

The pair hope to reach agreement before a meeting in Paris on May 2nd of all major French rugby union bodies and representatives of the Ministry of Sport.

That meeting will aim to define a long-term strategy for the future of the sport in France.

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Simon's players' union, the SNJR, earlier this week threatened to strike in protest against crowded fixture schedules and conflicts between club and national team commitments.

The players are seeking a modification of the French championship calendar in the six years leading up to the 2007 World Cup.