On Saturday in Carcassonne Carlos Zaldeundo was elected as Nicolas Larrat’s successor as president of the Federation Francaise de Rugby à Treize. The Toulouse club president and the new 24-member executive committee will get straight to work this week with a strategy session in Lezignan.

Larrat, a current Director of the RLEF and also from Toulouse, wished his successor the best of luck and warned him that the “role is overwhelming” with many “obstacles that have to be overcome.”

Zalduendo, who was visibly moved when the result was read out, exhorted his comrades: "Courage, we have it, and we must also have quality...[we must] gather the Leagues and Committees to study their balance sheets, positive or negative, and then we will decide our path.”

Offering a rallying call to the French rugby league community, Zalduendo was unequivocal in his desire to see a treiziste movement heading in one direction: “At first we need to strengthen what we have, and our unity is the key to success. "

He also acknowledged the need to conclude the federation’s search for a national team coach, which has been ongoing for the best part of a year.

Pictured: the newly elected FFRXIII Executive Committee.