Sebastien Chabal responds to scalping accusations
Former France No.8 Sebastien Chabal has denied any involvement in ticket scalping ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
There were reports in the French press this week that Chabal was using his access to tickets as an ambassador for the Rugby World Cup to resell them for a personal profit – a charge he now has dismissed.
The Parisian reported this week that Chabal was under investigation after he allegedly had access to more than his allotted number of tickets as a member of the organising committee and that the former Sale Shark was effectively touting tickets.
The French icon has clarified that he had no intention of making a profit on the tickets.
“Yes, I had privileged access to buy more tickets than can be done by one person, because of my status as ambassador of France 2023,” he explained in his statement. “I didn’t get any freebies or preferential rates. And no, I do not intend to make a profit on these places.
“It is obvious that these places cannot be resold by those who will benefit from them. It is just as inconceivable that they can be used for commercial operations.”
According to the report, evidence of the number of tickets received by Chabal came to light following a raid last year. These searches were held as part of the investigation opened by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) targeting acts of favouritism, influence peddling and corruption.
Chabal began his career with Bourgoin before moving on to play for Sale Sharks, Racing 92, and Lyon. He was a key player for the French national team and was part of the squad that won the Six Nations Championship in 2007.
The 6’3, 110kg Chabal was known for his physical style of play and his powerful tackles. He was nicknamed “The Caveman” due to his rugged appearance and was a fan favourite throughout his career. Chabal retired from professional rugby in 2013 and has since become a television commentator and coach.
Comments on RugbyPass
Hopefully this will mean a new Auckland league team to support in the west. Big Warriors fan but it’s very, very stale on that front and I’d like the option of another team if it was to watch league again. League needs to step up BIG time if its to get anywhere, another AK team and something from the capitol or south is a must for the game.
3 Go to commentsGood, deep interview, nice job Frankie!
1 Go to commentsNRL players don’t have anywhere near the number of Tests. Some people would be happy having Rest Homes full if 40 yo ex-players walking, or hobbling more like it, into walls. It’s just a game!
4 Go to commentsNOW Razor is worried about ABs getting injured or overplayed! Didn’t bother him last year. He happily played his AB Crusaders.
4 Go to commentsWhat is the World Rugby U20 players born year.
2 Go to commentsMuch like the Chiefs finally gave up waiting for Atu Moli to ever not be injured, you have to wonder if the Chiefs and Crusaders will let Josh Lord and Ethan Blackadder go next season. They’re being well paid to sit in the injury ward every year. Better off putting those funds towards someone who might actually play.
6 Go to commentsShowed better basic skills than some nz Super sides, who probably would have botched some of those backline moves. This tournament really is too short though. Needs more teams, or have them play two rounds to properly prepare them for the near full-time NH U20 sides.
4 Go to commentsGood grief it’s only six months. Probably just upset it’s not an established kiwi entering their prime they can “project” into green to join the rest.
1 Go to commentsGood player but far from being best in the world. That's an exaggeration. Perhaps Best in world by Northern Hemisphere standards and biasis but certainly not Southern Hemi standards
3 Go to commentsWell one thing about World Cup knock out rounds and Ireland is very clear: they won’t be getting ahead of themselves in ‘27! Because making it beyond the QF is well and truly ‘IN THEIR HEADS’ now…😉
71 Go to commentsHas this guy been dope tested? Sounds like a case of “roid rage”.
1 Go to commentsI would like to see him say that to Eben face to face in a dark alley.
71 Go to commentsYep, lost in translation. There are arrogant people in Ireland, yes. As there are arrogant people in every country, but as a nation, arrogance is not a general characteristic in Ireland. There has not really had a strong representation for any global sport over the years, and hence arrogance is not endemic to Irish people in this regard. I seriously doubt that was said or meant by 12 or 13 players. If it was said, it would have been said in jest and to pay Etzebeth and the Springboks a compliment for how hard fought the game was.
71 Go to commentsOne of the few Bidwell articles I can agree with. If coaches played their players through niggles and consistently played them 80mins then you could make an argument for resting protocols - they obviously don’t and are incredibly responsible, let’s give up the resting nonsense and let the boys play.
4 Go to commentsDaniel Gallan, please for the love of all that is holy, stop writing about rugby. Or at the very least stop telling people you are South African.
21 Go to commentsThis Dr.Rassie 6-2 filth is spreading. We need to ask World Rugby to ban something
1 Go to commentsPity he couldn’t call him a liar to his face, such a brave man.
71 Go to comments“You ain’t counting to 12 or 13 straight after a game, son!” Just because you don’t doesn’t mean everyone else doesn’t “I reckon if anyone said it they would have said, ‘Hopefully, see you in the final’.” Oh, you “reckon”, do you? You weren’t there, you weren’t part of the conversation but you know what was said… Id10T
71 Go to commentsNZ has such a rich history of quality number nines, and woman beaters.
1 Go to commentsThat’s what happens when you are scared of scrums
3 Go to comments