 | |||
| Nicknames | Le XV de France (The XV of France) Les Bleus (The Blues) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Emblem | Gallic rooster | ||
| Union | Fédération Française de Rugby | ||
| Head coach | Fabien Galthié | ||
| Captain | Antoine Dupont | ||
| Mostcaps | Fabien Pelous (118) | ||
| Top scorer | Thomas Ramos (500) | ||
| Top try scorer | Damian Penaud (40) | ||
| Home stadium | Stade de France | ||
| |||
| World Rugby ranking | |||
| Current | 5 (as of 17 November 2025) | ||
| Highest | 1 (2022) | ||
| Lowest | 10 (2018) | ||
| First international | |||
 France 8–38New Zealand  (Paris, France; 1 January 1906) | |||
| Biggest win | |||
France 96–0Namibia  (Marseille, France; 21 September 2023) | |||
| Biggest defeat | |||
New Zealand 61–10France  (Wellington, New Zealand; 9 June 2007) | |||
| World Cup | |||
| Appearances | 10 (first in1987) | ||
| Best result | Runners-up (1987,1999,2011) | ||
Medal record | |||
| Website | ffr.fr/xv-de-france | ||
TheFrance national rugby union team (French:Équipe de France de rugby à XV,pronounced[ekipdəfʁɑ̃sdəʁyɡbiakɛ̃z]) represents France in men's internationalrugby union matches. Colloquially known asLe XV de France (French for "The XV of France") orLes Bleus (French for "The Blues"), the team is governed by theFrench Rugby Federation (FFR;Fédération française de rugby). They traditionally wear blue shirts with aGallic rooster on the chest, white shorts and red socks in reference to theFrench national flag. They mostly play home matches at theStade de France inSaint-Denis, near Paris. They compete in the annualSix Nations Championship along withEngland,Ireland,Italy,Scotland andWales. France have won the tournament 27 times (including 8 shared victories), and this includes winning theGrand Slam 10 times.
Rugby was introduced to France in 1872 by the British before a first France national team was formed in 1893, as a selection of the best Parisian club players under the governance of theUSFSA, to face a club in England. A few years later, on New Year's Day 1906, the national team played its firsttest match againstNew Zealand in Paris. France then played sporadically against theHome Nations until they joined them in 1910 to form the Five Nations Championship. France also competed in the rugby competitions at earlySummer Olympics, winning the gold medal in 1900 and two silver medals in the 1920s. The national team came of age during the 1950s and 1960s, winning their first Five Nations title outright in 1959. They won their first Grand Slam in1968. Their latest championship win was in2025 under head coachFabien Galthié, who is also a former captain of the team.
France has competed in everyRugby World Cup since it began in1987, and have qualified for the knock-out stage each time. They have reached the final three times, losing to New Zealand in 1987 and2011, and toAustralia in1999. France hosted the2007 Rugby World Cup, where, as in2003, they were beaten in the semi-finals by England. In2023 they hosted for a second time but lost in the quarter-final to the eventual championsSouth Africa (28–29).
Rugby was introduced to France in 1872 by English merchants and students.[1] On 26 February 1890,[2] a French rugby team recruited from theLycée Janson de Sailly defeated an international team at theBois de Boulogne.[3]
Although France were represented at the1900 Summer Olympics,[4] their first official test match did not take place until New Year's Day 1906, against theNew Zealand All Blacks in Paris.[5] France then played intermittently against theHome Nations until they joined them to form the Five Nations tournament in1910. In 1913 France faced South Africa'sSpringboks for the first time; losing 38–5.[6] France also competed at the1920 and1924 Summer Olympics, and on both occasions lost to theUnited States in the gold medal match.[4]
France were ejected from the Five Nations in 1932 after being accused of professionalism in the French leagues at a time when rugby union was strictly amateur.[7][8] Forced to play against weaker opposition, France went on a winning streak; winning ten games in a row during the years from 1931 to 1936.[9] France was invited to rejoin the Five Nations in 1939 but did not compete until 1947 as international rugby was suspended duringWorld War II.[8]
French rugby came of age during the 1950s and 1960s: they won their first Five Nations championship and completed a successful tour of South Africa.[8] Their first championship was won in 1954 when they shared the title with England and Wales.[8][10] France won their first outright Five Nations championship in 1959; they won with two wins, a draw (against England) and a defeat (against Ireland).[10]
France first toured South Africa winning the test series in 1958. The Springboks also visited Paris in 1961, the test was not completed due to onfield fighting among the players. France also touredNew Zealand and Australia in 1961 losing both tests against the All Blacks but defeating Australia'sWallabies. They won their firstFive Nations Grand Slam in 1968 by beating all four other competing teams, and won numerous titles in the following years.[10]
In 1977, France won their second Grand Slam, fielding an unchanged side throughout the tournament and conceding no tries.[10][11] They also defeated the All Blacks inToulouse that year, but lost the return match in Paris.[12] OnBastille Day, 1979 they defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time, atEden Park inAuckland.[13]
In 1981 the French clinched their third Grand Slam; atTwickenham against England.[10] They again completed a Grand Slam in 1987 on the eve of the firstRugby World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand. In that tournament they came from behind numerous times to defeat the Wallabies in their semi-final, and faced the All Blacks in final at Eden Park, Auckland; France lost 29–9. They shared the Five Nations with Wales the next year, and also won it in 1989.[10]
France hosted some of the tests during the1991 World Cup, but were knocked out by England at the Parc des Princes (Paris) in the quarter-finals. France won the Five Nations championship in 1993. In 1994 France wona test series 2–0 in New Zealand.[14] They were knocked out of the1995 World Cup semi-finals by eventual champions the Springboks, but did win their third place play-off match against England. In November 1995, France played the All Blacks in two tests, winning the first 22–15 at Toulouse and losing the second 37–12 at Paris. France won back-to-back Grand Slams in 1997 and 1998. At the1999 World Cup they defeated tournament favourites the All Blacks in the semi-finals, but lost to the Wallabies in the final.[10]
The Five Nations Championship was expanded in 2000 to include Italy. In the now Six Nations Championship France won a Grand Slam in 2002.[10] At the2003 World Cup in Australia they qualified for the semi-finals where they were defeated by eventual champions England. In 2004, they won a second Six Nations Grand Slam, which was followed by a Championship win in 2006 and a successful defence in 2007.[10]
In the2007 Rugby World Cup, they finished second in their pool. They beat Namibia (87–10), Ireland (25–3), Georgia (64–7), but lost to Argentina (12–17). In the quarter-final, they defeated New Zealand (20–18), but lost to England in the semi-final (9–14). In the 3rd place playoff match, they lost to Argentina (10–34). In 2010, France won their 9th grand slam.
In the2011 Six Nations Championship, they beat Scotland (34–21), Ireland (25–22), Wales (28–9), but lost to England (9–17) and Italy (21–22). They finished in 2nd place. In the2011 Rugby World Cup, France finished second in their pool. They defeated Japan (47–21), Canada (46–19) but lost to New Zealand (17–37) and suffered a shock defeat to Tonga (14–19). In the quarter-final, they defeated England (19–12), defeated Wales (9–8) in the semi-final but lost (7–8) to theAll Blacks in the final. This was France's third loss in a row in a RWC final.[15]
In the2012 Six Nations Championship, France defeated Italy (30–12), Scotland (23–17), drew with Ireland (17–17), but lost to England (22–24) and Wales (9–16). They finished the tournament in 4th place. In the2012 French tour of Argentina, they split the series 1–1. They lost the first test match (20–23) inCórdoba, but won the second test match (49–10) inTucumán. In the2012 Autumn Internationals, they defeated Australia (33–6), Argentina (39–22), and Samoa (22–14).
In the2013 Six Nations Championship, France had a miserable campaign, they lost to Italy (18–23), Wales (6–16), England (13–23), drew with Ireland (13–13) and won against Scotland (23–16). They finished the tournament in last place and therefore received the wooden spoon. In the2013 French tour of New Zealand, they lost all 3 test matches to the All Blacks. The first defeat was in Auckland (13–23), the second inChristchurch (0–30) and the third inNew Plymouth (9–24). They were swept and lost the series 0–3. In the2013 Autumn Internationals, they lost to New Zealand (19–26), defeated Tonga (38–18), before losing to South Africa (10–19).
In the2014 Six Nations Championship, France defeated England (26–24), Italy (30–10), Scotland (19–17), but lost to Wales (6–27), and Ireland (20–22). They finished the tournament in 4th place. In the2014 French tour of Australia, France were swept and lost the test series 0–3. They lost (13–39) inSydney, (0–6) inMelbourne and (23–50) inBrisbane. In the2014 Autumn Internationals, they defeated Australia (29–26), lost to Argentina (13–18), and won against Fiji (40–15).
In the2015 Six Nations Championship, they beat Italy (29–0), Scotland (15–8) but lost to England (35–55), Wales (13–20) and Ireland (11–18). They finished in 4th place. In the2015 Rugby World Cup, they finished second in their pool. They defeated Italy (32–10), Romania (38–11), Canada (41–18) but lost to Ireland (9–24). In the quarter-final, they suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand (13–62).
In the2016 Six Nations Championship, they defeated Italy (23–21), Ireland (10–9), but lost to Wales (10–19), Scotland (18–29), and England (21–31). They finished in 5th place. In the2016 French tour of Argentina, the test series was split 1–1. They lost the first test match (19–30), but won the second match (27–0). In the2016 Autumn Internationals, they lost to Australia (23–25), New Zealand (19–24) before defeating Samoa (52–8).
In the2017 Six Nations Championship, France defeated Scotland (22–16), Italy (40–18), Wales (20–18), but lost to England (16–19), and Ireland (9–19). They finished in 3rd place. In the2017 French tour of South Africa, the French lost the test series 0–3. They lost (14–37) inPretoria, (15–37) inDurban and (12–35) inJohannesburg. In the2017 Autumn Internationals, they lost to New Zealand (18–38), South Africa (17–18), and drew with Japan (23–23).
In the2018 Six Nations Championship, France beat Italy (34–17), England (22–16), but lost to Ireland (13–15), Scotland (26–32), and Wales (13–14). They finished in 4th place. In the2018 French tour of New Zealand, they lost the test series 0–3. They were defeated (11–52) in Auckland, (13–26) in Wellington, and (14–49) in Dunedin. In the2018 Autumn Internationals, they lost to South Africa (26–29), Fiji (14–21) but won against Argentina (28–13).
In the2019 Six Nations Championship, they beat Scotland (27–10), Italy (25–14), but lost to Wales (19–24), England (8–44), and Ireland (14–26). They finished in 4th place. In the2019 Rugby World Cup, France finished second in their pool. They beat Argentina (23–21), United States (33–9), and Tonga (23–21). Their game against England was cancelled due to effects ofTyphoon Hagibis. In the quarter-final, they were defeated by Wales (19–20).
In the2020 Six Nations Championship, France defeated England (24–17), Italy (35–22), Wales (27–23), Ireland (35–27) but lost to Scotland (28–17). Despite finishing with the same record and points as England, they finished in 2nd place due to points difference. In the2020 Autumn Nations Cup, they finished atop of their pool after beating Scotland (22–15), and Italy (36–5). Their match against Fiji was cancelled due toCOVID-19 and France was awarded an automatic (28–0) bonus point victory. They faced England in the final but lost (19–22).
In the2021 Six Nations Championship, they defeated Italy (50–10), Ireland (15–13), Wales (32–30) but lost to England (20–23), and Scotland (23–27). They finished in 2nd place. In the2021 French tour of Australia, France lost the test series 1–2. They lost (21–23) in Brisbane, won (28–26) in Sydney before losing (30–33) again in Brisbane. In the2021 Autumn Internationals, they defeated New Zealand (40–25), Georgia (41–15), and Argentina (29–20).
In the2022 Six Nations Championship, France won their 10th grand slam. They defeated Italy (37–10), Ireland (30–24), Scotland (36–17), Wales (13–9), and England (25–13). They finished in first place and won their 26th championship. In the2022 French tour of Japan, France won the test series 2–0. After winning (42–23) inToyota and (25–20) inTokyo, they ranked number One in the world for the first time in their history in July 2022. In the2022 Autumn Internationals, France beat Australia (30–29), South Africa (30–26), and Japan (35–17). The French recorded a perfect season, winning all 10 matches in 2022. They are the first team since the 2013 All Blacks to win all their games in a calendar year.[16]
In the2023 Six Nations Championship, France failed to retain their title. They beat Italy (29–24), Scotland (32–21), England (53–10), Wales (41–28), but lost to the eventual winners Ireland (19–32). They finished in 2nd place. In the2023 Summer Nation Series, they lost to Scotland (21–25), before bouncing back the next week and beating them (30–27). They also beat Fiji (34–17) and Australia (41–17). In the2023 Rugby World Cup, France were the host's. They finished atop of their pool after beating New Zealand (27–13), Uruguay (27–12), Namibia (96–0), and Italy (60–7). In the quarter-final, they suffered a (28–29) defeat to the eventual championsSouth Africa. This is the second time that France have been eliminated from their own home World Cup in the knockout stages.
In2024 Six Nations Championship, they defeated Scotland (20–16), Wales (45–24), England (33–31), drew with Italy (13–13) and lost to Ireland (17–38). They finished in 2nd place. In the2024 French tour of South America, they faced Argentina and Uruguay. They beat Argentina (28–13) inMendoza, Uruguay (43–28) inMontevideo, before losing to Argentina in their second test match (25–33) inBuenous Aires. In the2024 Autumn Internationals, they defeated New Zealand (30–29), Japan (52–12), Argentina (37–23).
In 2025, they toured New Zealand and lost all three matches in the series (27–31, 17–43, 19–29).
Until 1912, thestrip (uniform) of the French team was white with two rings (the symbol ofUSFSA, the body that ruled the sport in France by then). After the first game won by France against Scotland in 1911, France's captain Marcel Communeau asked that the team adopt thecoq gaulois (Gallic rooster), historical emblem of France, as its symbol.[17] The Gallic rooster was probably chosen partly because it is considered as a proud and combative animal that can be sometimes aggressive, although it had been used previously as a symbol by French teams – a formerassociation football player, Jean Rigal, wore a uniform with this emblem as early as May 1910.[18] The badge was initially white and red, but was altered to a multicoloured, embroidered image after 1945, and has been golden since 1970.[19]
The symbol used by the French rugby team was a great success, and was later adopted by the French delegation at the Olympic Games of 1920 where the rooster was perched on five Olympic rings.[20] The rooster has since become a well-known symbol of French teams. French players are sometimes calledles coqs and some French supporters have been known to release roosters on the playing field before games.[21]
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The French team traditionally played in blue shirts, white shorts, and red socks, the colors of the national flag, and as such were nicknamedLes Tricolores (French for "The Tricoloured" or "The Red, White and Blues"). Due to the mostly blue strip the French team currently wears, the team is now often referred to asLes Bleus (French for "The Blues"), like many other French sporting teams. When this strip clashes with that of their opponents, such as in games against Scotland and Italy, French players wear white. New strips were developed for the2007 World Cup, one of which is a darker blue. In June 2011 they relaunched another kit which they wear blue shirt with a black and navy gradation, blue shorts and blue socks for their home kit and they wear white shirt, white shorts and white socks for their away kit.
In 2011,French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced thatAdidas would be their new partner for a period of six years, with them taking over production of the France national rugby shirt from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2018.[22]
Led by newly elected presidentBernard Laporte, the federation intended on selling the jersey to a sponsor. The FFR announced on 24 January 2017 that they had started the commercialisation of the jersey. In February, it was decided that the jersey would first be used to support France's bid for the2023 World Cup by showing#France2023 on the front of the kit.[23] In March 2017, theGroupe Altrad showed its support for France's bid for the World Cup and the company's logo accompanied#France2023 on the jersey. The group became the first private company in history that appeared on the France national team kits.[24] As of 2017 and France's successful bid to host the World Cup, Groupe Altrad signed a contract with the FFR, appearing solely on the jerseys.
In 2017, the FFR announced thatLe Coq Sportif would once again be their supplier for a period of six years, with them taking over production of the France national rugby shirt from July 2018 to June 2024.[25] On 28 June 2019, the Federation unveiled a new France Rugby logo which replaced the red and golden rooster and the previous governing body abstract logo. The red and stylised rooster was designed in order to be used as France teams' crest and FFR badge.[26] A few months before the 2023 World Cup kick-off, incoming FFR presidentFlorian Grill announced Adidas' return as France's kit manufacturer from June 2024.[27]
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Main shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1970–1975 | Le Coq Sportif | — |
| 1976–1979 | Adidas | — |
| 1980–1986 | Le Coq Sportif | — |
| 1985–1986 | Nike | — |
| 1986–1998 | Adidas | — |
| 1998–2012 | Nike | — |
| 2012–2017 | Adidas | — |
| 2017–2018 | Adidas | Groupe Altrad |
| 2018–2024 | Le Coq Sportif | |
| 2024–2028 | Adidas | TBA |
      First matches |  Circa 1915 |  1960 |  1970 |  1985–86 |
     1999–2001 (1999 WC) |     2003–05 (2003 WC) |   2007–09 (2007 WC) |    2010–11 (2010 G. Slam) |     2011–12 (2011 WC) |     2015–16 (2015 WC) |      2019–20 (2019 WC) |     2021–22 (2022 G. Slam) |
France'sautumn internationals andSix Nations Championship matches are televised by public free-to-air national broadcasterFrance Télévisions (especially by the main channelFrance 2) since 1975. French viewers can therefore follow and see a total of eight France national games without any charges. Thesummer test matches meanwhile are fairly often televised bypay television channelCanal+ while theWorld Cup matches are broadcast by private free-to-airTF1.[28][29] However,TF1 Group, France Télévisions andGroupe M6 announced details of a joint 2023 World Cup coverage, where each game of the tournament will be quite equally aired across three broadcasters. TF1 will broadcast 20 matches including most of the knockout phase and France matches, France 2 will air 10 matches including the France fixture againstNamibia whileM6 will televise a total of 18 matches.[30]
France matches are also broadcast with full commentary on many public and private radio stations such asRMC,Sud Radio or local generalistFrance Bleu branchs. Furthermore, most of French daily and weekly newspapers follow the France national team just like sport specialistL'Équipe and especially rugby-focusedMidi Olympique that is published every Monday and Friday.[31]
As of June 2023, the French Rugby Federation social media (rebranded asFrance Rugby) had more than 800,000 followers onFacebook andTwitter, and over 700,000 onInstagram.France Rugby also posts videos of trainings and game weeks on itsYouTube channel, where viewers can witness the players and staff routine inweb series.[32]
Historically, France played internationals at venues such as theParc des Princes and theStade Olympique de Colombes, both inParis.[33] TheStade Olympique de Colombes was the main venue for the1924 Summer Olympics, where rugby was a sport.[4]
Ever since moving out of Parc des Princes at the end of 1997, France's main home venue has been theStade de France inSaint-Denis, where their home Six Nations matches are played. It has a capacity of 80,000.[34] Since 2005, France has also played home internationals at the following venues around the country:Stade Chaban-Delmas,Grand Stade Lille Métropole (now known as Stade Pierre-Mauroy),Stade Gerland,Stade Vélodrome,Stade de la Mosson,Stade de la Beaujoire,Stade Bonal,Stadium Municipal (Toulouse) andU Arena.[35]
In June 2012, the FFR announced that plans were under way for a new rugby-dedicated stadium to be constructed inÉvry, 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of Paris. The stadium was projected to cost €600M and have a seating capacity of 82,000. It was originally scheduled for completion by 2017,[36] but later delayed to 2021 or 2022.[37] In December 2016, FFR officially abandoned the stadium project.[38]
During the1991 World Cup, Pool D (which included France) matches were played throughout France includingBéziers,Bayonne,Grenoble,Toulouse,Brive andAgen. Parc des Princes andStadium Lille Métropole also hosted a quarter-final each.[39] Pool C fixtures at the1999 World Cup were played throughout France inBéziers,Bordeaux and Toulouse. A second round match was held atStade Félix Bollaert, and one quarter final was held at the Stade de France, both 2007 venues.
For the2007 World Cup, France was the primary host, and there were ten venues used for matches throughout the country (Cardiff in Wales andEdinburgh in Scotland also hosted some games).[40] The French cities that hosted matches were Bordeaux (Stade Chaban-Delmas),Lens (Stade Félix Bollaert),Lyon (Stade Gerland),Marseille (Stade Vélodrome),Montpellier (Stade de la Mosson),Nantes (Stade de la Beaujoire), Paris (Stade de France, Saint-Denis and Parc des Princes),Saint-Étienne (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard), and Toulouse (Stadium de Toulouse). The final betweenEngland andSouth Africa was played at Stade de France.[40]
France was again chosen to host in2023. After a first choice of twelve venues, nine cities and stadiums were eventually selected for the tournament including five that were already used for the 2007 edition: biggest France stadium Stade de France (Saint-Denis – Paris), Stade Vélodrome (Marseille),OL Stadium (Décines-Charpieu – Lyon), Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve-d'Ascq –Lille),Stade de Bordeaux, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne) as well asStade de Nice, Stade de la Beaujoire (Nantes) and Stadium de Toulouse. France played matches at Stade de France, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Stade Vélodrome and OL Stadium. Their opening match againstNew Zealand was held at Stade de France like both semi-finals and finals.[41]
France competes annually in theSix Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations:England,Ireland,Italy,Scotland andWales. France first contested the tournament in 1910 when the Home Nations became the Five Nations.[42] France were expelled from the tournament due to rumours of professionalism in the then-amateur sport in 1932, but rejoined in 1947. They first won the competition in 1954, sharing the championship with both England and Wales. France shared with Wales again the following season, and won it outright for the first time in 1959.[42] France's longest wait for a championship spanned 37 tournaments (1910–1954). TheGiuseppe Garibaldi Trophy is also contested between France and Italy during the Six Nations. Over the whole history of the Tournament, they are the third most-winning nation, ten wins behind England. However, it should be taken into account that France have been present in 34 fewer tournaments than the Home Nations. France has won almost exactly the same proportion of Six Nations Tournaments in which it has competed in as England, and is the most successful nation in the post-World War II era (1945–present).
 England | France |  Ireland |  Italy |  Scotland |  Wales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tournaments | 129 | 96 | 131 | 26 | 131 | 131 |
| Outright wins (shared wins) | ||||||
| Home Nations | 5 (4) | N/a | 4 (3) | N/a | 9 (2) | 7 (3) |
| Five Nations | 17 (6) | 12 (8) | 6 (5) | N/a | 5 (6) | 15 (8) |
| Six Nations | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Overall | 29 (10) | 19 (8) | 16 (8) | 0 (0) | 14 (8) | 28 (11) |
| Grand Slams | ||||||
| Home Nations | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | 2[43] |
| Five Nations | 11 | 6 | 1 | N/a | 3 | 6 |
| Six Nations | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Overall | 13 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 12 |
| Triple Crowns | ||||||
| Home Nations | 5 | N/a | 2 | N/a | 7 | 6 |
| Five Nations | 16 | N/a | 4 | N/a | 3 | 11 |
| Six Nations | 5 | N/a | 8 | N/a | 0 | 5 |
| Overall | 26 | N/a | 14 | N/a | 10 | 22 |
| Wooden Spoons | ||||||
| Home Nations | 7 | N/a | 10 | N/a | 5 | 6 |
| Five Nations | 10 | 12 | 15 | N/a | 15 | 10 |
| Six Nations | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 3 |
| Overall | 17 | 13 | 25 | 18 | 24 | 19 |
The French have competed at everyWorld Cup since the inaugural tournament in1987. Although they have yet to win a World Cup, they have participated in the play-off stage of every tournament, and have reached the final three times.
In1987, France took on pre-tournament favouritesAustralia atConcord Oval for a place in the final. In one of the greatest World Cup matches,[44] the Australians appeared to be in control, leading 9–0, 15–12 and 24–21 at various stages of the match, only for the French to keep coming back.[44] With the scores locked at 24–24 and the prospect of extra time looming, the French scored one of the most memorable tries in rugby history.[44] Starting an attack from inside their own half, the French passed the ball through to 11 players before fullbackSerge Blanco beat Wallabies hookerTom Lawton to score a try in the corner.[44] France won (30–24), and would face co-hostsNew Zealand in the final atEden Park. The French had not fully recovered from their magnificent effort in the semi-final,[45] and New Zealand won the anticlimactic decider (29–9).[46]
In1991, France met eternal arch-rivalsEngland in the quarterfinal atParc des Princes. Earlier in the year atTwickenham the two sides had played each other for the Five Nations Grand Slam. The French scored three magnificent tries but were denied by the fearsome English forward pack.[47] In a very tense and brutal physical match, the scores were tied at 10 all when the French were awarded a scrum five metres out from the tryline. French number eightMarc Cecillon looked set to score the try that would have won the game for the French. Suddenly he was hit and driven back in a tackle from opponentMick Skinner, a tackle which changed the momentum of the match.[47] England went on to win (19–10) and eventually reached the Final. At the end of the match, France coachDaniel Dubroca angrily assaulted New Zealand refereeDave Bishop in the players tunnel. He resigned soon afterwards.[47]
In1995, France finished third overall, defeating England (19–9) in the third-place play-off after their defeat to South Africa in the semi-final. After coming from behind to defeat the All Blacks in their1999 semi-final,[48] France lost to Australia (12–35) in the final. In2003, France lost in the quarter-final to England (7–24). They finished in fourth place after losing the third/fourth place play-off match to the All Blacks.[49] At the2007 Rugby World Cup, after defeating New Zealand (20–18) in the quarter-final, France lost to England in the semi-final (9–14). France also lost toArgentina in the bronze medal final to finish the tournament in fourth place.[citation needed]
France's2011 campaign was marked by turmoil within the camp; reports before the tournament indicated as many as 25 of the 30 squad members had turned against head coachMarc Lièvremont.[50] In pool play, France had unimpressive wins overJapan andCanada, an expected loss to New Zealand, and a shock loss toTonga. During this stage, Lièvremont heavily criticized the team in the media, further angering many of his players, with veteran back-rowerImanol Harinordoquy becoming publicly critical of Lièvremont.[51] Despite the losses, they qualified for the knockout stage. At this time, the players effectively rebelled against Lièvremont; after the tournament, Harinordoquy would tell the French rugby publicationMidi Olympique, "We had to free ourselves from his supervision."[50] The team responded by defeating England (19–12) in the quarter-final and controversially beatingWales (9–8) in the semi-final after Welsh captainSam Warburton was sent off. The French proved admirable opponents in the final, however, they lost to New Zealand (7–8) to finish runners-up for the third time in a Rugby World Cup.[citation needed]
In2015, France finished second in their pool by beating Italy, Romania and Canada but losing to Ireland in their last pool match. France made it to the knock-out stage but suffered a heavy (13–62) defeat to the eventual champions New Zealand in the quarter-final. In2019, they finished second in their pool by defeating Argentina, United States, and Canada. Their last match in Pool C against England was cancelled due to the effects ofTyphoon Hagibis. They made it to the knock-out stage but lost to Wales (19–20) in the quarter-final. In2023, France hosted the Rugby World Cup. They finished atop of their pool after beating New Zealand, Uruguay, Namibia and Italy. France made it to the knock-out stage but were defeated by the eventual championsSouth Africa (28–29) in the quarter-final. This was France's third straight loss in the quarter-final stage and the second time they have failed to win a Rugby World Cup on home soil.
France are the third-highest World Cup points scorers of all time, with 1,823 points. They are also the third-highest try scorers, and the second-highest penalty scorers.[52] France'sThierry Lacroix was the top points scorer at the 1995 tournament with 112 points,[53] andJean-Baptiste Lafond was the joint top try scorer in 1991 with six tries (equal withDavid Campese).[54]Vincent Clerc was the joint top try scorer in 2011 with six tries (equal withChris Ashton), tied most with Jean-Baptiste Lafond, as he did the same 20 years earlier.[citation needed]
| Rugby World Cup record | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | Squad | |||||||||
 1987 | Runners-up | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 215 | 113 | Squad | |||||||||
| 1991 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 92 | 44 | Squad | |||||||||
 1995 | Third place | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 184 | 87 | Squad | |||||||||
| 1999 | Runners-up | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 210 | 144 | Squad | |||||||||
| 2003 | Fourth place | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 267 | 155 | Squad | |||||||||
| 2007 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 227 | 103 | Squad | ||||||||||
| 2011 | Runners-up | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 159 | 124 | Squad | |||||||||
| 2015 | Quarter-finals | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 133 | 125 | Squad | |||||||||
 2019 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 98 | 71 | Squad | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 238 | 61 | Squad | ||||||||||
| 2027 | Qualified | ||||||||||||||||
 2031 | To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | 58 | 40 | 2 | 16 | 1823 | 1027 | — | |||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
DuringTyphoon Hagibis; England v France was to be cancelled and recorded as 0–0 draw
| Rank | Change[i] | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | South Africa | 93.94 |
| 2 | | New Zealand | 90.33 |
| 3 | | England | 89.41 |
| 4 |  5 | France | 88.40 |
| 5 |  4 | Ireland | 86.81 |
| 6 | |  Argentina | 84.97 |
| 7 | | Australia | 81.53 |
| 8 | |  Fiji | 81.14 |
| 9 | 10 | Italy | 79.81 |
| 10 | 9 | Scotland | 78.98 |
| 11 | | Wales | 74.23 |
| 12 | | Japan | 74.09 |
| 13 | |  Georgia | 73.18 |
| 14 | |  Uruguay | 69.19 |
| 15 | |  Spain | 69.16 |
| 16 | | United States | 68.26 |
| 17 | |  Chile | 66.72 |
| 18 | |  Tonga | 66.66 |
| 19 | 20 |  Portugal | 66.53 |
| 20 | 19 |  Samoa | 66.43 |
| 21 | |  Belgium | 60.77 |
| 22 | |  Romania | 59.68 |
| 23 | |  Hong Kong | 59.61 |
| 24 | |  Zimbabwe | 58.80 |
| 25 | |  Canada | 58.75 |
| 26 | 27 | Namibia | 56.96 |
| 27 | 26 |  Netherlands | 56.86 |
| 28 | |  Switzerland | 55.26 |
| 29 | |  Czech Republic | 54.78 |
| 30 | |  Poland | 52.96 |
| France's historical rankings |
In 2002, France were named theWorld Rugby Team of the Year. When theWorld Rankings were introduced by World Rugby (then the International Rugby Board) in 2003, France were ranked fifth. During November 2003 France briefly occupied third place before falling to fourth by December of that year. After falling to fifth during November 2004, France rose again to fourth by April 2005. During early 2006, France rose again, peaking at second in July of that year. France were ranked number two in the world but fell to third in June 2007 after two consecutive defeats to the All Blacks. They then fell to fifth after losing to Argentina in the opening match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.[56] In 2018, France fell to tenth in the World Rankings, making it their worst position on the rankings since the start of it in 2003. For the first time ever, France became World Number One in July 2022. As of 2025, France currently sit fifth in the World Rankings.
France have won463 of their835 test matches. Below is a table of the representative rugby matches played by France at test level.
Updated to:13 February 2025
| Opponent | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win% | For | Aga | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 56 | 40 | 15 | 1 | 71% | 1,385 | 907 | +478 |
| Australia | 53 | 22 | 29 | 2 | 42% | 1,023 | 1,177 | −154 |
 British & Irish Lions | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | 27 | 29 | −2 |
| British Army | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% | 24 | 45 | −21 |
| British Empire Forces | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | 6 | 27 | −21 |
| British Empire Services | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 10 | 0 | +10 |
| Canada | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 89% | 315 | 119 | +196 |
| Czech Republic | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 47 | 9 | +38 |
| England | 112 | 44 | 61 | 7 | 39% | 1,515 | 1,821 | −306 |
| Fiji | 12 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 92% | 441 | 170 | +271 |
| Georgia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 105 | 22 | +83 |
 Germany | 15 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 87% | 298 | 89 | +209 |
| Ireland | 105 | 61 | 37 | 7 | 58% | 1,757 | 1,352 | +405 |
| Ireland XV | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 67% | 34 | 29 | +5 |
| Italy | 50 | 46 | 3 | 1 | 92% | 1,601 | 596 | +1,005 |
 Ivory Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 54 | 18 | +36 |
| Japan | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 88% | 300 | 158 | +142 |
| Kiwis | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | 9 | 14 | −5 |
| Namibia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 230 | 23 | +207 |
| New Zealand | 67 | 15 | 51 | 1 | 22% | 961 | 1,781 | −820 |
| New Zealand Māori | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 12 | −9 |
 Pacific Islanders | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 42 | 17 | +25 |
| Romania | 50 | 40 | 8 | 2 | 80% | 1,315 | 462 | +853 |
| Samoa | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 156 | 49 | +107 |
| Scotland | 104 | 61 | 40 | 3 | 59% | 1,637 | 1,372 | +265 |
| South Africa | 47 | 12 | 29 | 6 | 26% | 737 | 1026 | −289 |
| Tonga | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 67% | 172 | 96 | +76 |
| United States | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 88% | 214 | 102 | +112 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 70 | 40 | +30 |
| Wales | 105 | 51 | 51 | 3 | 49% | 1,662 | 1,622 | +40 |
| Wales XV | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% | 12 | 8 | +4 |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% | 70 | 12 | +58 |
| Total | 835 | 463 | 338 | 34 | 55.45% | 16,232 | 13,204 | +3,028 |
Only official competitive and test matches are counted.
Includes a cancelled2019 World Cup match againstEngland awarded as a0–0 draw and a cancelledAutumn Nations Cup fixture againstFiji awarded as a28–0 win.
Historically the role of France rugby union head coach has varied considerably. Due to the status of rugby union as an amateur sport for most of its history, the job of deciding tactics and running team trainings has often been that of the captain or senior players. Therefore, a comprehensive list of national coaches is impossible. The very first entitled head coach is former legendJean Prat who won the1967 Five Nations Championship as a manager before leaving the team before the summer tour of South Africa a few weeks later. Next year, France then won theGrand Slam in the1968 edition without having a head coach, in self-management. Later that year, Fernand Cazenave took his duties. Two years after, he shared the1970 Five Nations Championship win withWales.
Although coached byJean Desclaux between 1973 and 1980, the French team's main influence during the late 1970 was captainJacques Fouroux. Fouroux playedscrum-half and captained France to their 1977 Five Nations Grand Slam, during which France played a very forward-oriented style of rugby.[57] Although the style ofFouroux's Gang was successful, it was criticised because it contrasted with the traditional open attacking style of French rugby.[57] Fouroux was given the nickname "the little Corporal" – the same asNapoleon Bonaparte.[58] Fouroux was named as Desclaux's successor in 1981 at the age of just 33. He continued to promote a forward-oriented style of play, and France won six Five Nations titles – including two Grand Slams – while he was coach. After nearly ten years in the role he resigned in 1990 after a defeat to Romania.[59]
Fouroux was succeeded byDaniel Dubroca, who coached the team to the 1991 Rugby World Cup.[60] Dubroca's tenure as coach did not last long, however, as he resigned after violently confronting referee Dave Bishop following France's World Cup quarter-final against England.[60][61] Dubroca was replaced byPierre Berbizier, who coached the team until after the 1995 Rugby World Cup.[62] Berbizier's replacement,Jean-Claude Skrela, coached France to Five Nations Grand Slams in 1997 and 1998 before they came last in the tournament in 1999.[63] He officially resigned following France's loss to Australia in the 1999 Rugby World Cup final.Bernard Laporte was appointed as Skrela's successor in November.[64] Laporte guided France through the2003 and2007 Rugby World Cups before stepping down to become Secretary of State for Sport. AfterPhilippe Saint-André turned down the offer to replace Laporte,French Rugby Federation presidentBernard Lapasset appointedMarc Lièvremont to guide France to the 2011 World Cup.[65] Lièvremont's tenure as coach was marked by inconsistent and puzzling squad selection choices, and player discontent.[66] There were some bright moments, notably wins against New Zealand in Dunedin and South Africa in Toulouse, and the 2010 Six Nations Grand Slam.[66] But there was also a (16–59) loss to Australia in Paris, a (21–22) loss to Italy in the 2011 Six Nations, and a (14–19) loss to Tonga during the2011 World Cup.[66] In August 2011, before the World Cup, it was announced that Philippe Saint-André would replace Lièvremont and guide France to the 2015 World Cup.[67] This came as no surprise to Lièvremont, as he had announced as early as May 2010 that he would not continue as the coach of France after the World Cup.[67]
France did not impress under Saint-André, finishing no higher than fourth in the Six Nations during his tenure and even claiming thewooden spoon in 2013. Following the 2015 Six Nations, he announced his resignation effective after that year's World Cup and was replaced byGuy Novès.[68][69] France was even less impressive under Novès, withLes Bleus winning fewer than one-third of their matches during his tenure, capped off by a run of seven winless matches. Novès was dismissed in December 2017, becoming the first France head coach ever to be fired before the end of his contract, and was replaced by former Italy head coachJacques Brunel, who arrived from the same position withBordeaux Bègles. Novès' assistants were dismissed as well.[70]
In April 2019, then-French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte announced thatFabien Galthié would be appointed as head coach of the team after the2019 World Cup. A week later, Jacques Brunel also confirmed that Galthié joined the France management crew as an assistant to prepare the team for the 2019 World Cup. After the World Cup, the federation formalizes the new coaching staff structured around Fabien Galthié.Raphaël Ibañez was appointed general manager of the team along with four staff membres:William Servat and Karim Ghezal as forwards coaches;Laurent Labit as backs coach and EnglishmanShaun Edwards, responsible for the defense.Thibault Giroud, formerToulon head of physical training where he worked with Galthié, was also appointed as head of high performance. Video analyst Nicolas Buffa retained his positions and became the analysis unit director.[71]
After the2023 Rugby World Cup, Ghezal, Labit and Giroud left the France coaching staff and were replaced respectively byStade Français forwards coachLaurent Sempéré, former international centrePatrick Arlettaz andNicolas Jeanjean, who became the head of high performance.[72]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| General manager | Raphaël Ibañez |
| Head coach | Fabien Galthié |
| Forwards andset piece coaches | Laurent Sempéré (line-out) |
| William Servat (scrum) | |
| Backs and attack coach | Patrick Arlettaz |
| Defence coach | Shaun Edwards |
| Head of high performance | Nicolas Jeanjean |
| Head of video analysis | Nicolas Buffa |
| Kicking coach | Vlok Cilliers |
| Discipline and refereeing advisor | Jérôme Garcès |
On 21 January 2026, France named a 42-player squad ahead of the2026 Six Nations Championship.[76]
On 25 January 2026,Joshua Brennan was added to the squad, ahead of the opening round of the tournament as a replacement forThibaud Flament.[77]
On 26 January 2026,Georges-Henri Colombe andAlexandre Roumat were called up to the squad as injury cover forUini Atonio andPaul Boudehent.[78]
Fabien GalthiéCaps updated: 5 February 2026
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxime Lamothe | Hooker | (1998-10-03)3 October 1998 (age 27) | 2 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Julien Marchand | Hooker | (1995-05-10)10 May 1995 (age 30) | 49 | Toulouse |
| Peato Mauvaka | Hooker | (1997-01-10)10 January 1997 (age 29) | 43 | Toulouse |
| Dorian Aldegheri | Prop | (1993-08-04)4 August 1993 (age 32) | 24 | Toulouse |
| Uini Atonio | Prop | (1990-03-26)26 March 1990 (age 35) | 68 | La Rochelle |
| Cyril Baille | Prop | (1993-09-15)15 September 1993 (age 32) | 57 | Toulouse |
| Georges-Henri Colombe | Prop | (1998-04-09)9 April 1998 (age 27) | 9 | Toulouse |
| Jean-Baptiste Gros | Prop | (1999-05-29)29 May 1999 (age 26) | 41 | Toulon |
| Régis Montagne | Prop | (2000-09-30)30 September 2000 (age 25) | 6 | Clermont |
| Rodrigue Neti | Prop | (1995-04-28)28 April 1995 (age 30) | 5 | Toulouse |
| Dany Priso | Prop | (1994-01-02)2 January 1994 (age 32) | 18 | Toulon |
| Tevita Tatafu | Prop | (2002-10-13)13 October 2002 (age 23) | 2 | Bayonne |
| Hugo Auradou | Lock | (2003-07-20)20 July 2003 (age 22) | 11 | Pau |
| Joshua Brennan | Lock | (2001-11-28)28 November 2001 (age 24) | 2 | Toulouse |
| Thibaud Flament | Lock | (1997-04-29)29 April 1997 (age 28) | 34 | Toulouse |
| Mickaël Guillard | Lock | (2000-12-10)10 December 2000 (age 25) | 14 | Lyon |
| Emmanuel Meafou | Lock | (1998-07-12)12 July 1998 (age 27) | 12 | Toulouse |
| Tom Staniforth | Lock | (1994-08-13)13 August 1994 (age 31) | 0 | Castres |
| Cameron Woki | Lock | (1998-11-07)7 November 1998 (age 27) | 32 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Paul Boudehent | Back row | (1999-11-21)21 November 1999 (age 26) | 21 | La Rochelle |
| François Cros | Back row | (1994-03-25)25 March 1994 (age 31) | 40 | Toulouse |
| Alexandre Fischer | Back row | (1998-01-19)19 January 1998 (age 28) | 3 | Bayonne |
| Oscar Jégou | Back row | (2003-05-31)31 May 2003 (age 22) | 10 | La Rochelle |
| Anthony Jelonch | Back row | (1996-07-28)28 July 1996 (age 29) | 36 | Toulouse |
| Temo Matiu | Back row | (2001-07-20)20 July 2001 (age 24) | 0 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Lenni Nouchi | Back row | (2003-11-24)24 November 2003 (age 22) | 3 | Montpellier |
| Charles Ollivon | Back row | (1993-05-11)11 May 1993 (age 32) | 49 | Toulon |
| Alexandre Roumat | Back row | (1997-06-27)27 June 1997 (age 28) | 10 | Toulouse |
| Thibault Daubagna | Scrum-half | (1994-05-20)20 May 1994 (age 31) | 2 | Pau |
| Antoine Dupont (c) | Scrum-half | (1996-11-15)15 November 1996 (age 29) | 60 | Toulouse |
| Baptiste Serin | Scrum-half | (1994-07-20)20 July 1994 (age 31) | 47 | Toulon |
| Matthieu Jalibert | Fly-half | (1998-11-06)6 November 1998 (age 27) | 36 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Ugo Seunes | Fly-half | (2000-11-15)15 November 2000 (age 25) | 0 | Racing 92 |
| Fabien Brau-Boirie | Centre | (2005-12-19)19 December 2005 (age 20) | 0 | Pau |
| Nicolas Depoortère | Centre | (2003-01-13)13 January 2003 (age 23) | 8 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Kalvin Gourgues | Centre | (2005-03-27)27 March 2005 (age 20) | 2 | Toulouse |
| Yoram Moefana | Centre | (2000-07-18)18 July 2000 (age 25) | 37 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Noah Nene | Centre | (2004-10-14)14 October 2004 (age 21) | 0 | Stade Français |
| Théo Attissogbe | Wing | (2004-11-19)19 November 2004 (age 21) | 9 | Pau |
| Louis Bielle-Biarrey | Wing | (2003-06-16)16 June 2003 (age 22) | 23 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Gaël Dréan | Wing | (2000-10-22)22 October 2000 (age 25) | 0 | Toulon |
| Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang | Wing | (2000-05-18)18 May 2000 (age 25) | 0 | Pau |
| Grégoire Arfeuil | Fullback | (2004-12-05)5 December 2004 (age 21) | 0 | Pau |
| Romain Buros | Fullback | (1997-07-31)31 July 1997 (age 28) | 1 | Bordeaux Bègles |
| Thomas Ramos | Fullback | (1995-07-23)23 July 1995 (age 30) | 48 | Toulouse |
In December 2016, when World Rugby was considering a change in the eligibility rules for international selection, FFR presidentBernard Laporte announced that the body would require that all France national team members hold French passports. This requirement is in addition to then-current WR rules mandating three years' residency for international selection, a period which WR increased to five years effective from 31 December 2020.[79] Players who represented France prior to Laporte's announcementremained eligible for selection even if they did not hold French passports.[80] Thus, since 2016 France have had the lowest number of foreign-born players in their Six Nations's squads.[81]
Eleven former players who have represented France on the international stage have been inducted into theWorld Rugby Hall of Fame. Its direct predecessor is the IRB Hall of Fame, founded in 2006 by the sport's international governing body,World Rugby, when it was known as the International Rugby Board. In late 2014, the IRB Hall merged with the separateInternational Rugby Hall of Fame, with all International Hall inductees becoming members of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.[82][83][84][85]
Marcel Communeau (1885–1971), a back-rower forStade Français at club level, played in France's first official international match against New Zealand'sOriginal All Blacks in 1906. He went on to earn 21 caps for France, serving as captain for the country's first Five Nations appearance in 1910 and leading France to its first-ever win in that competition in 1911 against Scotland. Communeau is also credited with suggesting that France adopt the rooster as its team emblem. He entered the World Rugby Hall in 2015.[86]
Jean Prat (1923–2005) earned 51 caps playing for France from 1945 to 1955, and captained France to their first wins over Wales and the All Blacks.[87] He was also France's captain in 1954 when they won their first ever Five Nations (shared with Wales and England).[88] Prat was inducted to the International Hall of Fame in 2001[87] and the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011.[85]
Lucien Mias (1930–2024), nicknamedDocteur Pack, was credited with inventing the concept of the advantage line in forward play. When inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, he was called "one of the most influential captains of his country". He was most noted for captaining France to a Test series win over South Africa in 1958, the first such feat in the 20th century for a touring team.[85]
André Boniface (1934–2024) also played in France's win over the All Blacks in 1954; it was only his second test for France. Boniface went on to play 48 tests for France before retiring in 1966.[89] He was inducted to the International Hall in 2005[89] and the IRB Hall in 2011.[85]
Guy Boniface (1937–1968) emerged on the international scene shortly after his older brother André, although the two did not play together in the same France side until 1961. According to the IRB, the Boniface brothers "redefined the concept of back play through their unique blend of skill and creativity." Guy won 35 caps for France before his death in an auto accident in 1968. He was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame alongside his brother in 2011.[85]
Jo Maso (born 1944) first played for France between 1966 and 1973; mainly atcentre. He played in France's first ever Five Nations Grand Slam in 1968,[90] and that year toured New Zealand and Australia. He represented France in 25 tests and also played for theBarbarians and the World XV that beat England in 1971. Maso entered the International Hall in 2003[91] and became a member of the World Rugby Hall with the merger of the two halls of fame.[82] He is now the manager of the France national team.
Jean-Pierre Rives (born 1952), a 1997 inductee of the International Hall who entered the World Rugby Hall with the merger, played 59 tests for France between 1975 and 1984; including 34 as captain. He played in Five Nations Grand Slams in 1977 and 1981, and captained France to their first ever win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.[92] Rives is now a sculptor, and designed theGiuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (Italian: Trofeo Garibaldi; French: Trophée Garibaldi), which is competed for every year by France and Italy in the 6 Nations championship.[93]
Serge Blanco (born 1958) played in 93 tests for France between 1980 and 1991. Playing atfullback Blanco won Five Nations Grand Slams with France in 1981 and 1987, and scored the match-winning try in France's semi-final against Australia in the1987 World Cup.[94] He is past president both of his longtime club,Biarritz Olympique, and France's national professional league,Ligue Nationale de Rugby. Blanco was inducted to the International Hall in 1997[94] and the IRB Hall in 2011.[85]
CentrePhilippe Sella (born 1962), who was also in the 1987 team, played 111 times for France between 1982 and 1995, setting an appearances record that stood until Fabien Pelous, who himself would be indicted into the World Rugby Hall in 2017, broke it during the2007 Rugby World Cup. In 1986, he achieved the rare feat of scoring a try in each of France's Five Nations matches.[95][96] Sella entered the International Hall in 1999[95] and the IRB Hall in 2005.[84]
LockFabien Pelous (born 1973) was inducted into the World Rugby Hall in 2017 at a ceremony at the Hall's physical location inRugby.[97] He appeared 118 times for France from 1995 to 2007, surpassing Sella as France's most-capped player. According to World Rugby, "Pelous' spirit and robustness in the heat of battle made him perfect captaincy material", and he would captainLes Bleus 42 times, with onlyThierry Dusautoir serving as captain on more occasions. In his 18-season club career, 12 of which were with his hometown clubToulouse, he helped Toulouse to twoEuropean and threeFrench titles.[98]
FlankerThierry Dusautoir (born 1981) was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 at theWorld Rugby Awards ceremony in Paris. Appearing 80 times for France, 56 as captain, from 2006 to 2015, he played in three World Cups. Two of his greatest personal accolades came in World Cup matches against New Zealand—he was Player of the Match in France's losing effort in the2011 World Cup final, and set a World Cup record of 38 tackles in France's win in the 2007 World Cup quarterfinals. At club level, he played on teams that won five French titles and one European Cup.[99]
The following France players have been recognised at theWorld Rugby Awards since 2001:[100][101][102]
|
|
|
| Year | Date | Scorer | Match | Tournament | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26 March | Damian Penaud | vs.Scotland | Six Nations | [103] |
| 2024 | 17 March | Nolann Le Garrec | vs.England | Six Nations | [104] |
The following France players have been shortlisted for theSix Nations Player of the Championship since 2004:[105][106][107][108][109]
| Year | 1st XV | 2nd XV | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forwards | Backs | Forwards | Backs | |||||
| No. | Players | No. | Players | No. | Players | No. | Players | |
| 2021 | — | 9. | Antoine Dupont | Not awarded | ||||
| 2022 | 1. | Cyril Baille | 9. | Antoine Dupont (2) | ||||
| 10. | Romain Ntamack | |||||||
| 2. | Julien Marchand | 11. | Gabin Villière | |||||
| 5. | Paul Willemse | 12. | Jonathan Danty | |||||
| 6. | François Cros | 13. | Gaël Fickou | |||||
| 8. | Grégory Alldritt | 14. | Damian Penaud | |||||
| 2023 | 4. | Thibaud Flament | 9. | Antoine Dupont (3) | 2. | Julien Marchand | 15. | Thomas Ramos |
| 5. | Paul Willemse | |||||||
| 14. | Damian Penaud (2) | 7. | Charles Ollivon | |||||
| 8. | Grégory Alldritt | |||||||
| 2024 | 3. | Uini Atonio | 15. | Thomas Ramos | Not awarded | |||
| 2025 | 5. | Mickaël Guillard | 9. | Antoine Dupont (4) | ||||
| 8. | Grégory Alldritt (2) | 11. | Louis Bielle-Biarrey | |||||
|
The record for the most points scored for France is 489, which is held byThomas Ramos, who surpassed the previous record holder,Frederic Michalak (436) on 15 March 2025.[114][115] Ramos also holds the record for the most conversions with 110.[115] The record holder for the most penalties scored is 89 byThierry Lacroix, and the drop goal record of 15 is held byJean-Patrick Lescarboura.[115] The record for the most caps for France is held byFabien Pelous with 118.[115] The record for the most tries scored for France is 40, and is held byDamian Penaud.[115][116]
Champions (2): 1995, 1997
Runners-up (1):2020Champions (19):1959,1961,1962,1967,1968,1977,1981,1987,1989,1993,1997,1998,2002,2004,2006,2007,2010,2022,2025 Champions (shared; 8):1954,1955,1960,1970,1973,1983,1986,1988 Runners-up (15):1951,1971,1976,1978,1979,1984,1985,1991,2000,2005,2011,2020,2021,2023,2024 Runners-up (shared; 12):1921,1930,1931,1948,1949,1956,1963,1965,1966,1974,1975,1992
Third place (9):1958,1990,1994,1995,1996,2003,2008,2009,2017 Third place (shared; 5):1923,1928,1947,1950,1964
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