Scotland restrict France to Meagre Pickings France, responding to memories of their last encounter in Scotland (a shock 13-13 draw) were in no mood for small mercies. But their modest points total, 28, underlines the contrast in player-depth between them and England. This was far from being an A-list French line-up; at least they made
France came to Toulouse, the beating heart of French rugby, to be greeted by another 5-figure crowd. Ireland had never yet beaten France away from home, and after a quarter of an hour they had enjoyed just 18% possession. As promised by the management, the French team showed seven changes from their victory over Italy.
Making her first start for her country, French scrum-half Alexandre Chambon put on a lively combative display. But when Laure Sansus replaced her in the 53rd minute, France suddenly jumped from third to sixth gear. And not before time. This wasn’t the strongest unit Annick Hayraud could have fielded, but even so they put in
It is easy to forget how important it was for the tournament to spread its wings beyond the British Isles (The Home Championship) to include one, then two nations on the continent. They have added hugely to its standing. France and Italy come face to face in Grenoble on Sunday. First the teams France: 15
Six Nations Squads Published Few surprises is the long lists published by three of the Six Nations. This is the first stage in whittling down the squads to the maximum 30 who will represent the nations for the World Cup. No fewer than three players could win their 50th cap in Round One, Elisa Giordano,
The French Rugby Union (FFR) has announced a new new high performance pathway system called Génération Bleues. It comprises four groupings They are termed: Générations bleues, France Jeunes (up to 23) Générations bleues, Élite Jeunes (age-range 16-18) Générations bleues, Académie Pôles Espoirs (age-range 16-18) Générations bleues, Centre de suivi (age 15) The aim is to
Quite the saddest tale to come out of France last year was the fate of the Elite 1 club Bayonne (in full ‘Association Sportive Bayonnaise Rugby’). The players – known in Basque as ‘les Neskak’ – became so upset by the way they were being treated by the club’s authorities that in November they took
Between 10 July 2019 and 30 April 2021 England and France met eight times. They sought each other out to ensure they faced the sternest opposition in the search for perfection. This autumn saw their policy come to fruition, and they didn’t meet once. Instead, the recurrent world champions came calling. The result of the
A really great day for French rugby – both national sides beating the Kiwis in packed stadiums. Les Bleues create history with four consecutive wins over the Black Ferns. New Zealand came to the swish confines of the Stade Pierre Antoine in Castres, the Venice of southern France, determined to put the record straight. The
France v New Zealand – A Preview – And a Glance at the French Sevens Squad It’s hard to imagine a more momentous day for French rugby: the men’s and women’s teams both take on New Zealand on Saturday. One difference is that the men’s team rarely downs the All Blacks; the women are making
Social Networks