Moroccan National Rugby League Team will face France this Saturday, February 22, in a men's senior international match at Parc Des Sports in Avignon. The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. local time in France. This match will mark Morocco's return to the international arena since their October 2019 loss to Nigeria in the Middle East Africa Championship. The game will also highlight a partnership with the French federation to assist in the development of rugby in Morocco. This collaboration aims to create opportunities for the development of players, coaches, and match officials, ultimately raising overall standards, according to the International Rugby League. Olivier Janzac, who has previous experience as France's women's head coach, will lead the Moroccan squad. It is believed that an initial training day took place on February 8. «We are proud to take this historic step by facing the French national team», commented Yamina Abdesselem, president of the Fédération Marocaine de Rugby à XIII. «This match symbolizes the start of a fruitful collaboration for the development and promotion of rugby league in Morocco, particularly among young people and women. We are determined to grow these disciplines and inspire a new generation of players». The upcoming game is the first step following the partnership agreements signed between the Moroccan and French rugby federations. The next phase is expected to target women's and youth rugby league.
