Citizendia

France
UnionFrench Rugby Federation
Nickname(s)Les bleus; Les tricolores;
XV de France
Emblem(s)the Rooster
Ground(s)Stade de France
CoachFlag of France Marc Lièvremont
CaptainLionel Nallet
Most capsFabien Pelous (118)
Top scorerChristophe Lamaison (380)
Most triesSerge Blanco (38)
Team coloursTeam coloursTeam colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Team colours
Team coloursTeam coloursTeam colours
Team colours
Team colours
　
Change colours
First international
Flag of France France 8–38 New Zealand Flag of New Zealand
(1 January 1906)
Largest win
Flag of Brazil Brazil 7–99 France Flag of France
(2 June 1974)
Worst defeat
Flag of New Zealand New Zealand 61–10 France Flag of France
(9 June 2007)
World Cup
Appearances6 (First in 1987)
Best resultLosing finalist, 1987, 1999

The France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. The French Rugby Federation (Fédération française de rugby ( FFR) is the governing body for Rugby union in France. A rooster (also called a cock or chanticleer) is a male Chicken ( Gallus gallus) the female being called a Hen. The Stade de France is a Stadium in Saint-Denis, France in the inner suburbs of Paris. Marc Lièvremont (born October 28 1968 in Dakar, Senegal) is a former Rugby union footballer who is currently head coach of the Lionel Nallet (born 14 September 1976 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France) is a French Rugby union player who currently plays A cap is an appearance for a select team such as a school county or international team in sports Fabien Pelous (born December 7, 1973) is a French Rugby union footballer Christophe Lamaison (born 8 April 1971 in Dax Landes, France) is a former French Rugby union footballer who represented Serge Blanco (born 31 August 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a former Rugby union footballer who played for Biarritz Olympique and France The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Year 1906 ( MCMVI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting The Brazil national rugby union team are the national side of Brazil, representing them at Rugby union. Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Rugby World Cup is the premier international Rugby union competition The First Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987 and was won by New Zealand. The First Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987 and was won by New Zealand. The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup and the first to be held in Rugby union 's professional era. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship. The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and For the rugby sevens side see Italian national rugby union team (sevens The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The Six Nations Championship (referred to as RBS 6 Nations for sponsorship reasons known before 2000 as the Five Nations Championship, is an annual international They have won the championship outright fourteen times, shared it a further eight times, and have completed eight grand slams. In Rugby union, a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others during one year's competition or when a touring side

They are currently the seventh-ranked team in the world, and are considered to be the strongest rugby nation on continental Europe. Uses of the rankings The rankings are used by the IRB to rank the progression and current ability of the national rugby union teams of its member nations but the data [1] Six former French players have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. The International Rugby Hall of Fame (IRHOF is a Hall of fame for Rugby union.

Rugby was introduced to France in 1872 by the British, and on New Year's Day 1906 the national side played its first Test match — against New Zealand in Paris. New Year's Day is the first day of the Year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1, as it was also in ancient Rome (though Test cricket is the longest form of the Sport of Cricket. It has long been considered the ultimate test of playing ability between cricketing nations The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city France played sporadically against the British Home Nations until they joined them to form a Five Nations tournament (now the Six Nations Championship) in 1910. "Home nation" (common noun redirects here home nation is also used to refer to the host country of Multi-sport events (eg France also competed in the rugby competitions at early Summer Olympics, winning the gold medal in 1900 and two silver medals in the 1920s. Rugby union has been a men's medal sport at the modern Summer Olympic Games, being played at four of the first seven competitions France came of age during the 1950s and 1960s, and won their first Five Nations title outright in 1959. They won their first Grand Slam in 1968. In Rugby union, a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others during one year's competition or when a touring side Since the inaugural World Cup in 1987, France have qualified for the knock-out stage of every tournament. The First Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987 and was won by New Zealand. They have reached the final twice, losing to the All Blacks in 1987 and to Australia in 1999. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup and the first to be held in Rugby union 's professional era. France hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup, where, as in 2003, they were beaten in the semifinals by England. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby union world cup and was won by England. The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union.

France traditionally play in blue shirts with white shorts and red socks, and are commonly referred to as les tricolores or les bleus. However, they currently wear an all-navy blue Nike kit which was released for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Nike Inc ('naɪki ( is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. The French emblem is a golden rooster imposed upon a red crest. A rooster (also called a cock or chanticleer) is a male Chicken ( Gallus gallus) the female being called a Hen. Their alternative strip is mainly white. French international matches are played at several venues across the country; the Stade de France in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis is used for their games during the Six Nations, and they have a formidable home record at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille where they have only lost once, to Argentina in 2004

Contents

History

Main article: History of the French national rugby union team

Rugby was introduced to France in 1872 by British merchants and students. The Stade de France is a Stadium in Saint-Denis, France in the inner suburbs of Paris. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. The Stade Vélodrome is a 60031 capacity Stadium in Marseille, France. Marseille, ( English alt Marseilles mɑrˈseɪ — French: maʁsɛj locally — Provençal Occitan: Marselha maʀˈsijɔ The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international Rugby union matches "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The French national rugby union team first competed at the 1900 Olympics [2] Although France were represented at the 1900 Summer Olympics (where they won gold),[3] their first official test match did not take place till New Year's Day, 1906 against the New Zealand All Blacks in Paris. The 1900 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the II Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1900 in New Year's Day is the first day of the Year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1, as it was also in ancient Rome (though The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city [4] France then played intermittently against the Home Nations until they joined them to form the Five Nations tournament in 1910. "Home nation" (common noun redirects here home nation is also used to refer to the host country of Multi-sport events (eg In 1913 France faced South Africa's Springboks for the first time; losing 38–5. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko [5] France also competed at the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics, and on both occasions lost to the United States in the gold medal match, Vicky LeDonne scored the winning goal. The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1920 The 1924 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1924 in For the American Rugby league team see United States national rugby league team. [3]

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. [6][7] 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. This is still a record even today. [8] France was invited to rejoin the Five Nations in 1939 but did not compete until 1947 as international rugby was suspended during World War II. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including [7]

France came of age during the 1950s and 1960s: they won their first Five Nations championship and completed a successful tour of South Africa. [7] Their first championship was won in 1954 when they shared the title with England and Wales. [9][7] France won their first outright Five Nations championship in 1959; they won with three wins and a draw (against England). [9]

France became the first nation to tour South Africa winning the test series in 1958. The Springboks also visited Paris in 1961, the test was not completed due to onfield fighting amongst the players. France also toured New Zealand and Australia in 1961 losing both tests against the All Blacks but defeating Australia's Wallabies. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. They won their first Five Nations Grand Slam in 1968 by beating all four other competing teams, and won numerous titles in the following years. In Rugby union, a Grand Slam occurs when one team in the Six Nations Championship manages to beat all the others during one year's competition or when a touring side [9]

France playing Wales during the Six Nations Championship.
France playing Wales during the Six Nations Championship. The Six Nations Championship (referred to as RBS 6 Nations for sponsorship reasons known before 2000 as the Five Nations Championship, is an annual international

In 1977 they won their second Grand Slam, fielding an unchanged side throughout the tournament. [9] They also defeated the All Blacks in Toulouse that year, but lost the return match in Paris. Toulouse ( pronounced in standard French, and in the local accent ( Occitan: Tolosa, pronounced) is a city in southwest [10] On Bastille Day, 1979 they defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time, at Eden Park in Auckland. Bastille Day is the French national holiday, celebrated on 14 July each year. Eden Park is the main sports ground in Auckland, New Zealand for both Rugby union during winter and Cricket in summer The Auckland metropolitan area or Greater Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country [11]

In 1981 the French clinched their third Grand Slam; at Twickenham against England. Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond [9] They again completed a Grand Slam in 1987 on the eve of the first Rugby World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The Rugby World Cup is the premier international Rugby union competition 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. [9]

France hosted some of the tests during the 1991 World Cup, but made their exit from the after being knocked out by England at the Parc des Princes (Paris) in their quarter-final. The 1991 Rugby World Cup was jointly hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. One Five Nations championship was won in the early 1990s, in 1993. The following year France won a test series 2–0 in New Zealand in the 1994. [12] They were knocked out of the 1995 World Cup semi-finals by eventual champions the Springboks, but did win their third place play-off match against England. The 1995 Rugby World Cup was the third Rugby World Cup. It was hosted by South Africa, and had the distinction of being the first Rugby World Cup in which every match France won back-to-back Grand Slams in 1997 and 1998. At the 1999 World Cup they defeated tournament favourites the All Blacks in the semi-finals, but lost to the Wallabies in the final. The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup and the first to be held in Rugby union 's professional era. [9]

The Five Nations Championship was expanded in 2000 to include Italy. In the now Six Nations Championship France won a Grand Slam in 2002. [9] At the 2003 World Cup in Australia they qualified for the semi-finals where they were defeated by eventual champions England. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby union world cup and was won by England. In 2004 they won a second Six Nations Grand Slam which was followed by a Championship win in 2006 and successful defence in 2007. [9] In opener of the World Cup 2007, Argentina defeated France 17–12, however after defeating Ireland 25–3 they qualified for the quarter-finals. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international Rugby union matches The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and After defeating the All Blacks 20–18 they lost to England 14–9 in their semi-final.

Strip

The jersey of the French rugby team, with the traditional rooster symbol.
The jersey of the French rugby team, with the traditional rooster symbol.

Until 1912, the strip (uniform) of the French team was white with two rings, one red and one blue. A uniform is a set of standard Clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity [13] After the first game won by France against Scotland in 1911, France's captain Marcel Communeau asked that the team adopt the coq (rooster) as its symbol. [14] The 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 a French team — a former soccer player, Jean Rigal, wore a uniform with this emblem as early as May 1910. [15] The badge was initially white and red, but was altered to a multicoloured, embroidered image after 1945, and has been golden since 1970. [16]

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. [17] The rooster has since become a well-known symbol of French teams. French players are sometimes called les coqs and some French supporters have been known to release roosters on the playing field before games. [18]

The French team traditionally played in blue shirts, whites shorts, and red socks, and as such they were nicknamed les tricolores. Due to the mostly blue Nike strip the French team currently wears, the team is now often referred to as les bleus (the blues). Nike Inc ('naɪki ( is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. 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 the 2007 World Cup, one of which is a darker blue.

Home grounds

France hosting the All Blacks at the Stade de France which is in Saint-Denis (Paris).
France hosting the All Blacks at the Stade de France which is in Saint-Denis (Paris). The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. The Stade de France is a Stadium in Saint-Denis, France in the inner suburbs of Paris. Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city

During the early years France played internationals at venues such as Parc des Princes and the Stade Olympique de Colombes, both in Paris. The Parc des Princes, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France was originally a Velodrome, the finish of the Tour de France from The Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes, near Paris, France (also known as the Stade Olympique de Colombes, or simply Colombes [19][20] The Stade Olympique de Colombes and the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir were the main venues at the 1924 Summer Olympics, where rugby was a sport. The 1924 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1924 in [3]

The largest stadium that France currently plays at is the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris where their home Six Nations matches are played. The Stade de France is a Stadium in Saint-Denis, France in the inner suburbs of Paris. Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It has a capacity of 80,000. [21][21] During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, France also played home internationals at the venues Stade Gerland, Lyon; Stade Vélodrome, Marseille; Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes and Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse. The Stade de Gerland (or Stade Gerland) is the principal sporting hub of the city of Lyon. ||-||} Lyon, also known as Lyons in English is a city in east-central France. The Stade Vélodrome is a 60031 capacity Stadium in Marseille, France. Marseille, ( English alt Marseilles mɑrˈseɪ — French: maʁsɛj locally — Provençal Occitan: Marselha maʀˈsijɔ The Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau, better known as La Beaujoire, is a Stadium in Nantes, France. Nantes (Naoned Gallo: Naunnt) is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, from the Atlantic coast Stadium de Toulouse is a multi-use Stadium in Toulouse, France. Toulouse ( pronounced in standard French, and in the local accent ( Occitan: Tolosa, pronounced) is a city in southwest [22]

World Cup venues

During the 1991 World Cup, Pool D (which included France) matches were played throughout France including Béziers, Bayonne, Grenoble, Toulouse, Brive and Agen. The 1991 Rugby World Cup was jointly hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. Béziers ( Besièrs in Occitan, and Besiers in Catalan) is a town in Languedoc, in the southwest of France. Bayonne ( French: Bayonne bajɔn Gascon Occitan and Basque: Baiona) is a city and commune of southwest Grenoble is a city and commune in south-east France situated at the foot of the Alps where the Drac joins the Isère River. Toulouse ( pronounced in standard French, and in the local accent ( Occitan: Tolosa, pronounced) is a city in southwest Brive-la-Gaillarde ( Limousin dialect of Occitan language Briva la Galharda) is a commune of France. Agen (aʒɛ̃ is a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department in the Aquitaine region in southwestern France. Parc des Princes and Stadium Lille-Metropole also hosted a quarter-final each. [23] Pool C fixtures at the 1999 World Cup were played throughout France in Béziers, Bordeaux and Toulouse. The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup and the first to be held in Rugby union 's professional era. Béziers ( Besièrs in Occitan, and Besiers in Catalan) is a town in Languedoc, in the southwest of France. ( Gascon: Bordèu) is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate Toulouse ( pronounced in standard French, and in the local accent ( Occitan: Tolosa, pronounced) is a city in southwest A second round match was held at Stade Félix Bollaert, and one quarter final was held at the Stade de France, both 2007 venues.

For the 2007 World Cup, France is the primary host, and there are ten venues being used for matches throughout the country (Cardiff in Wales and Edinburgh in Scotland will also host some games). The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Edinburgh ( ˈɛdɪnb(ərə Dùn Èideann) is the Capital of Scotland and is its second largest city after Glasgow. [24] The French cities hosting matches are 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). ( Gascon: Bordèu) is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate Stade Chaban-Delmas (known as Parc Lescure until 2001 is a football and Rugby union Stadium in Bordeaux, France. Lens is a commune in northern France, in the Pas-de-Calais département. History The stadium has hosted matches in the following major international tournaments 1984 European Championship 1998 FIFA World Cup 1999 Marseille, ( English alt Marseilles mɑrˈseɪ — French: maʁsɛj locally — Provençal Occitan: Marselha maʀˈsijɔ Montpellier ( Occitan Montpelhièr) is a City in the south of France. Stade de la Mosson is a football Stadium in Montpellier, France. Saint-Étienne ( Sant-Etiève in Arpitan) is a city in the central eastern part of France, 60 km (40 miles southwest of Lyon. Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is a multi-use Stadium in Saint-Étienne, France. Toulouse ( pronounced in standard French, and in the local accent ( Occitan: Tolosa, pronounced) is a city in southwest [24] The final will be played at Stade de France.

Record

Six Nations

France's only annual tournament is the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The Six Nations Championship (referred to as RBS 6 Nations for sponsorship reasons known before 2000 as the Five Nations Championship, is an annual international France first contested the tournament in 1910 when the Home Nations became the Five Nations. [25] 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. [25] France's longest wait for a championship spanned 37 tournaments (1910–1954). The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy is also contested between France and Italy during the Six Nations. The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy - also known simply as the Garibaldi Trophy, Trofeo Garibaldi in Italian and Trophée Garibaldi in French They are the 3rd highest winning nation, 9 tournaments behind England. However, it should be taken into account the France have been present in 30 less tournaments than the Home Nations.

 Flag of England
England		Flag of France
France		Flag of Ireland
Ireland		Flag of Italy
Italy		Flag of Scotland
Scotland		Flag of Wales
Wales
Tournaments107771079107107
Outright Wins (Shared Wins)25 (10)16 (7)10 (8)0 (0)14 (8)24 (11)
Grand Slams12810310
Triple Crowns23N/A9N/A1020

World Cup

Although France have competed at every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987, they have never won the competition. The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and For the rugby sevens side see Italian national rugby union team (sevens The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international The Rugby World Cup is the premier international Rugby union competition The First Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987 and was won by New Zealand. [26] They have, however, played in the quarter-final stages of every tournament, and have twice reached the final. In 1987 they were defeated by the All Blacks 29–9 at Eden Park, Auckland in the final. [27] They were knocked out by England in the quarter-finals of the 1991 competition — their worst ever finish. The 1991 Rugby World Cup was jointly hosted by England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. In 1995 France finished third overall, defeating England 19–9 in the third/fourth place play-off after their defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals. The 1995 Rugby World Cup was the third Rugby World Cup. It was hosted by South Africa, and had the distinction of being the first Rugby World Cup in which every match After coming from behind to defeat the All Blacks in their 1999 semi-final,[28] France lost to Australia 35–12 in the final. The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup and the first to be held in Rugby union 's professional era. In 2003 they finished fourth, losing the third/fourth place game to the All Blacks. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby union world cup and was won by England. [29] At the 2007 World Cup France lost out to England in the semi-finals losing 14-9 after finishing the break 5-6 ahead and in the lead with 5 minutes to go with Johny Wilkinson scoring a penalty and a drop goal to put England through. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. France lost to Argentina in the bronze final coming fourth in the 2007 world cup.

France are the third-highest World Cup points scorers of all time, with 968 points. They are also the third-highest try scorers, and the third-highest penalty scorers. [30] France's Thierry Lacroix was the top points scorer at the 1995 tournament with 112 points, and Jean-Baptiste Lafond was the joint top try scorer in 1991 with six tries (equal with David Campese). Thierry Lacroix (born 2 March 1967 in Nogaro, France) is a former Rugby union footballer who won 43 caps playing at Jean-Baptiste Lafond (born 29 December, 1961 in Bègles, France) is a former French Rugby union footballer David Ian Campese (born 21 October 1962 in Queanbeyan from an Italian father and an Australian mother [31]

Overall

France have won 354 of their 635 test matches, a win record of 55. 66%. [32][33] When the World Rankings were introduced by the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 2003 France were ranked fifth. Uses of the rankings The rankings are used by the IRB to rank the progression and current ability of the national rugby union teams of its member nations but the data The International Rugby Board (IRB is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby union, and previously for Rugby football. During November 2003 France briefly occupied third place before falling to fourth by December 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 that year. France were ranked number two in the world until falling to third in June 2007 after two successive defeats to the All Blacks. They then fell to fifth after losing to Argentina in the opening match of the 2007 World Cup. [34]

Their test match record against all nations, up until 9 February 2008, is as follows:[32][35]

AgainstPlayedWonDrawnLostWin percentage
Argentina413011073. Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international Rugby union matches 2%
Australia361621844. The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in Rugby union. 4%
British and Irish Lions10010%
Canada760185. The British and Irish Lions (until 2001 known as the British Isles Rugby Union Team or "British Lions" Rugby union side comprises a pick of the best players from For the Canadian Rugby league team see Canada national rugby league team. 7%
Czech Republic2200100%
Côte d'Ivoire1100100%
England903574839%
Fiji7700100%
Georgia1100100%
Germany15130286. The Czech Republic national rugby union team is the third tier rugby playing nation of the Czech Republic. The Côte d'Ivoire rugby union team is one of the minor international teams in Rugby union. The England national rugby union team represents England in Rugby union. The Fiji National rugby union team is one of the strongest national rugby union teams of the world and the third from Oceania, even still as a second tier nation The Georgia national rugby union team represents the former Soviet Caucasian republic of Georgia in Rugby union. The Germany national rugby union team is a third-tier Rugby union -playing nation of Germany. 7%
Ireland845152860. The Ireland rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in Rugby union, which is a popular sport throughout both the Republic of Ireland and 7%
Italy27260196. For the rugby sevens side see Italian national rugby union team (sevens The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of 3%
Japan2200100%
Namibia5500100%
New Zealand461113423. For the Japanese Rugby League team see Japan national rugby league team. The Namibian rugby union team, nicknamed the Welwitschias or Biltongboere, represents Namibia at Rugby union. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team in Rugby union, the country's National sport. The national Rugby union teams of France and New Zealand (the All Blacks have been playing each other for over 9%
Romania50402880%
Samoa1100100%
Scotland814433454. The Romania national rugby union team, nicknamed The Oaks ( Stejarii) have long been one of the stronger European teams outside of the Six Nations The national Rugby union team of Samoa is called Manu Samoa (the name of a famous Samoan chief some 10 generations ago The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international Rugby union. 3%
South Africa361062027. The South Africa national Rugby union team (commonly referred to as the Springboks in English Springbokke in Afrikaans and Amabokoboko 8%
Soviet Union310233. The USSR national rugby union team was a sporting side that represented the Soviet Union in Rugby union until the early 1990s 3%
Spain1100100%
Tonga320166. The Spain national rugby union team are a national sporting side of Spain, representing them at Rugby union. The Tonga national rugby union team is nicknamed Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles. 7%
Tunisia1100100%
United States760185. The Tunisia national rugby union team is the national team of Tunisia, a third tier Rugby union nation For the American Rugby league team see United States national rugby league team. 7%
Wales843934246. The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international 4%
West Germany1100100%
Zimbabwe1100100%
Overall6363543025255. The Germany national rugby union team is a third-tier Rugby union -playing nation of Germany. The Zimbabwe national rugby union team are considered to be a third tier rugby union nation 7%

Players

Current squad

The following is France's 38-man squad for the 2008 Six Nations Championship:

Backs
Player
PositionClub
Jean-Baptiste ÉlissaldeScrum-halfStade Toulousain
Morgan ParraScrum-halfCS Bourgoin-Jallieu
Julien TomasScrum-halfMontpellier Hérault RC
Dimitri YachviliScrum-halfBiarritz Olympique
David SkrelaFly-halfStade Français Paris
François Trinh-DucFly-halfMontpellier Hérault RC
Yann DavidCentreCS Bourgoin-Jallieu
Florian FritzCentreStade Toulousain
Yannick JauzionCentreStade Toulousain
David MartyCentreUSA Perpignan
Damien TrailleCentreBiarritz Olympique
Vincent ClercWingStade Toulousain
Julien MalzieuWingASM Clermont Auvergne
Aurélien RougerieWingASM Clermont Auvergne
Cédric HeymansWing / FullbackStade Toulousain
Anthony FlochFullbackASM Clermont Auvergne
Clément PoitrenaudFullbackStade Toulousain
Forwards
Player
PositionClub
Fabien BarcellaPropFC Auch
Julien BrugnautPropUS Dax
Lionel FaurePropSale Sharks
Nicolas MasPropUSA Perpignan
Jean-Baptiste PouxPropStade Toulousain
Guilhem GuiradoHookerUSA Perpignan
William ServatHookerStade Toulousain
Dimitri SzarzewskiHookerStade Français Paris
Loïc JacquetLockASM Clermont Auvergne
Arnaud MelaLockSC Albi
Romain Millo-ChluskiLockStade Toulousain
Lionel Nallet (Captain)LockCastres Olympique
Pascal PapéLockStade Francais Paris
Jérôme ThionLockBiarritz Olympique
Julien BonnaireFlankerASM Clermont Auvergne
Ibrahim DiarraFlankerUS Montauban
Thierry DusautoirFlankerStade Toulousain
Imanol HarinordoquyFlankerBiarritz Olympique
Fulgence OuedraogoFlankerMontpellier Hérault RC
Louis PicamolesNumber eightMontpellier Hérault RC
Elvis VermeulenNumber eightASM Clermont Auvergne

Notable players

Six former French national team players have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame: Serge Blanco, André Boniface, Jo Maso, Jean Prat, Jean-Pierre Rives and Philippe Sella. Jean-Baptiste Élissalde (born 23 November, 1977 in La Rochelle, France) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Morgan Parra (born 15 November 1988 in Metz, France) is a Rugby union player for CS Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Top 14 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 CS Bourgoin-Jallieu is a French Rugby union club currently competing in the top level of the French league system in the Top 14. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French Rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. Dimitri Yachvili (born 19 September 1980 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Limousin, France) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in David Skrela (born 2 March, 1979) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the François Trinh-Duc (born 11 November 1986 in Hérault, France) is a Rugby union player for Montpellier Hérault RC in A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French Rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 CS Bourgoin-Jallieu is a French Rugby union club currently competing in the top level of the French league system in the Top 14. Florian Fritz (born 17 January, 1984 in Sens, Burgundy) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Yannick Jauzion (born July 28 1978 in Castres, raised in Graulhet, Tarn) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. David Marty (born 30 October, 1982 in Perpignan) is a French Rugby union footballer who plays at center three-quarter in the A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in Damien Traille (born 12 June, 1979 in Pau, France) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in Vincent Clerc (born May 7 1981) is a French Rugby union player who plays on the wing. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Julien Malzieu born 4 May 1983 in Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne, France is a Rugby union and sevens player A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes Aurélien Rougerie (born 26 September 1980, Beaumont Puy-de-Dôme) plays on the wing for France and captains ASM Clermont A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes Cédric Heymans (born 20 July 1978 in Brive, Corrèze) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Anthony Floch (born February 12, 1983 is a French Rugby union player who normally plays at fullback. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes Clément Poitrenaud (born 20 May 1982 in Castres, Tarn) is a French Rugby union footballer A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Football Club Auch Gers is a French Rugby union club based in Auch in Midi-Pyrénées that will play in Rugby Pro D2, the second tier Julien Brugnaut born November 17 1981 in Lille, France is a Rugby union player for US Dax in the Top 14 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Union Sportive Dacquoise, also known as US Dax, is a French Rugby union club currently playing in the Top 14, the top level of the French Lionel Faure born 26 November 1977 in France is a Rugby union player for Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Sale Sharks are a professional Rugby union team who play in England in the Guinness Premiership. Nicolas Mas (born May 25 1980 in Perpignan, France) is a French Rugby union footballer who currently plays for the A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in Jean-Baptiste Poux (born 26 September, 1979 in Béziers) is a French Rugby union footballer ( prop) currently playing A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in William Servat (born 9 December 1978 in Saint-Gaudens, France) is a French international Rugby union footballer who plays at for A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Dimitri Szarzewski (born 26 January, 1983 in Narbonne, France) is a French Rugby union footballer currently playing A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Loïc Jacquet (born March 14 1985 in Saint-Doulchard, Cher) is a French Rugby union player who plays as a. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes Arnaud Méla (born 9 January 1980 in Saint-Gaudens, Haute-Garonne, France) is a Rugby union player for CA Brive A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Sporting Club Albigeois is a professional French Rugby union club currently competing at the second level ( Rugby Pro D2) of the French league system Romain Millo-Chluski born 20 April, 1983 is a Rugby union player for Toulouse in the Top 14 competition A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Lionel Nallet (born 14 September 1976 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France) is a French Rugby union player who currently plays A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Castres Olympique is a French Rugby union club located in the Midi-Pyrenees city of Castres and currently competing in the top level of Pascal Papé is a French Rugby union player He plays lock and has joined Stade Francais after spending many years in Bourgoin A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Jerome Thion (born 2 December, 1977 in Senlis, Picardie, France) is a French Rugby union footballer who currently A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in Julien Bonnaire (born 20 September, 1978 in Bourgoin-Jallieu) is a French Rugby union footballer who played for CS Bourgoin-Jallieu Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes Ibrahim Diarra (born Paris, 25 May 1983) is a French Rugby union footballer Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. US Montauban are a French Rugby union club currently competing in the Top 14 competition after being promoted from Rugby Pro D2 for the 2006-07 season Thierry Dusautoir (born 18 November 1981 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire) is a French Rugby union footballer who currently plays Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Imanol Harinordoquy (born 20 February 1980) is a Basque Rugby union player who typically plays as a number 8 for France Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in Fulgence Ouedraogo (born 21 July, 1986 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso) is a French Rugby union footballer Flanker is one of fifteen positions in the sport of Rugby union. Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French Rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French Rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. Elvis Vermeulen is a French Rugby union footballer currently playing for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the top level of French rugby the Top 14 A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne is a French Rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes The International Rugby Hall of Fame (IRHOF is a Hall of fame for Rugby union. Serge Blanco (born 31 August 1958 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a former Rugby union footballer who played for Biarritz Olympique and France André Boniface (born August 14 1934 in Montfort-en-Chalosse) is a former international Rugby union player for France. Jo Maso (born 27 December 1944 in Perpignan, France is a former Rugby union and Rugby league footballer who played for Narbonne, Toulonnais Jean Prat (1 August 1923 &ndash 25 February 2005 was French Rugby union footballer Jean-Pierre Rives (born 31 December 1952 is a French former Rugby union player who won 59 caps for France as a flanker. Philippe Sella (born 14 February 1962 in Tonneins) is a French former rugby union player who until recently held the record for most international appearances in [36]

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. [37] He was also France's captain in 1954 when they won their first ever Five Nations (shared with Wales and England). [38]

André Boniface 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. [39]

Jo Maso first played for France between 1966 and 1973; mainly at centre. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 He played in France's first ever Five Nations Grand Slam in 1968,[40] and that year toured New Zealand and Australia. He represented France in 25 tests and also played for the Barbarians and the World XV that beat England in 1971. The Barbarian Football Club, typically referred to as Barbarians and nicknamed the "Baa-Baas" is an invitational Rugby union team based in Britain [41] He is now the manager of the French national team.

Jean-Pierre Rives 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 captain France to their first ever win over the All Blacks in New Zealand. [42] Rives is now an internationally renowned sculptor.

Serge Blanco played in 93 tests for France between 1980 and 1991. Playing at fullback Blanco won Five Nations Grand Slams with France in 1981 and 1987, and in France's semi-final against Australia the 1987 World Cup scored the match winning try. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 The First Rugby World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 1987 and was won by New Zealand. [43] He is now the president of France's national professional league, Ligue Nationale de Rugby. The Ligue Nationale de Rugby ( English: National Rugby League) is the name of the national professional Rugby

Centre Philippe Sella, 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 broke it, during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. In 1986, he achieved the rare feat of scoring a try in each of France's Five Nations matches. [44][45][46]

Individual records

The record for points scored for France is 380 held by Christophe Lamaison. [47] Lamaison also holds the record for conversions with 60. [47] The record for penalties scored is 89 by Thierry Lacroix, and the drop goal record of 15 is held by Jean-Patrick Lescarboura. [47] The record for French appearances is held by Fabien Pelous with 118. [47] The record for tries scored for France is with 38 held by Serge Blanco. [47]

Training

Coaches

Historically the role of French rugby coach (or trainer) 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.

Although coached by Jean Desclaux between 1973 and 1980, the French team's main influence during the late 1970 was captain Jacques Fouroux. Jean Desclaux was a French Rugby union coach who was born in 1922 in Dax. Jacques Fouroux ( July 24 1947 &ndash December 17 2005) was a French Rugby union player and coach Fouroux played scrum-half and captained France to their 1977 Five Nations Grand Slam, during which France played a very forward-oriented style of rugby. A Rugby union team is made up of 15 players eight forwards numbered from 1 to 8 and seven backs numbered from 9 to 15 [48] Although the style of Fouroux's Gang was successful, it was criticised because it contrasted with the traditional open attacking style of French rugby. [48] Fouroux was given the nickname "the little Corporal" — the same as Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821 was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the History of Europe. [49] 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. [50]

Fouroux was succeeded by Daniel Dubroca, who coached the team to the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Daniel Dubroca (born 25 April 1954, Aiguillon) is a former French national rugby union player and coach [51] Dubroca's tenure as coach did not last long, however, as he resigned after violently confronting referee David Bishop following France's World Cup quarter-final against England. [51][52] Dubroca was replaced by Pierre Berbizier, who coached the team until after the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Pierre Berbizier (born 17 June, 1958) is a French former Rugby union footballer and currently a coach [53] 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. Jean-Claude Skrela (born October 1 1949 in Colomiers) is a former coach of the French national rugby union team. [54] He officially resigned following France's loss to Australia in the 1999 Rugby World Cup final. Bernard Laporte was appointed as Skrela's successor that November. Bernard Laporte (born 1 July, 1964 in Rodez, Aveyron) is the current French Secretary of State for Sport [55] Laporte guided France up to and including the bronze final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The third place playoff (sometimes called the bronze medal game or consolation game) is a single match that is included in many Sporting Knockout tournaments The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international Rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. He then stepped down to become the Secretary of State for Sport and was replaced by Marc Lièvremont. Marc Lièvremont (born October 28 1968 in Dakar, Senegal) is a former Rugby union footballer who is currently head coach of the [56]

NameTenure
Jean Prat1964–1968
Fernand Cazenave1968–1973
Jean Desclaux1973–1980
Jacques Fouroux1981–1990
Daniel Dubroca1990–1991
Pierre Berbizier1991–1995
Jean-Claude Skrela1995–1999
Bernard Laporte1999–2007
Marc Lièvremont2007-present

National Rugby Centre

France's National Rugby Centre located in Marcoussis.
France's National Rugby Centre located in Marcoussis. Jean Prat (1 August 1923 &ndash 25 February 2005 was French Rugby union footballer Fernand Cazenave ( November 26 1924, Orthez &ndash January 11 2005) was a former French rugby union international and national coach Jean Desclaux was a French Rugby union coach who was born in 1922 in Dax. Jacques Fouroux ( July 24 1947 &ndash December 17 2005) was a French Rugby union player and coach Daniel Dubroca (born 25 April 1954, Aiguillon) is a former French national rugby union player and coach Pierre Berbizier (born 17 June, 1958) is a French former Rugby union footballer and currently a coach Jean-Claude Skrela (born October 1 1949 in Colomiers) is a former coach of the French national rugby union team. Bernard Laporte (born 1 July, 1964 in Rodez, Aveyron) is the current French Secretary of State for Sport Marc Lièvremont (born October 28 1968 in Dakar, Senegal) is a former Rugby union footballer who is currently head coach of the Marcoussis is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France.

The National Rugby Centre was opened by then French President Jacques Chirac in November 2002. [57] The facility cost GP£46 million (approx. The Pound Sterling ( symbol £; ISO code: GBP) subdivided into 100 pence (singular penny) is the Currency €68 million, c. Please update other articles as well to avoid contradiction within Wikipedia e 2007), and is located in the village of Marcoussis, south of Paris. Marcoussis is a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city [58][57] The facility covers 20 hectares (49 acres) and includes five rugby pitches (one of them covered, and two floodlit), a gym, medical facilities, a swimming pool, media centre, and library. Explanation The hectare is commonly used in most countries around the world especially in domains concerned with land planning and management such as Agriculture, The acre is a unit of Area in a number of different systems including the imperial and U [59] Living quarters are also included, with 30 rooms which are each named after a championship winning French club. The living quarters also have a dedicated restaurant. France's under-19 team are permanently based at the NRC, and provide regular opposition for the French team during training. [59]

See also

References

  1. ^ IRB World Rankings. Rugby union is the second most popular team sport in France after football and is actually the dominant sport in most of the southern half of the country The French Rugby Federation (Fédération française de rugby ( FFR) is the governing body for Rugby union in France. The France national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens. Le Crunch is the traditional name of the rugby test match between England and France during the Six Nations Championship, but it is also used for The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy - also known simply as the Garibaldi Trophy, Trofeo Garibaldi in Italian and Trophée Garibaldi in French The Dave Gallaher Trophy is a Rugby union trophy contested between France and New Zealand and named after Dave Gallaher To celebrate the bi-centenaries of Australia and France, in 1988 and 1989 respectively the French Rugby Union donated the Trophée des Bicentenaires to be played The national Rugby union teams of France and New Zealand (the All Blacks have been playing each other for over irb. com. Retrieved on 2008-01-26. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France.
  2. ^ Chris Thau (2006-11-14). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1533 - Conquistadors from Spain under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro arrive in Cajamarca, Inca 100 years of French Test rugby: part one. International Rugby Board. Retrieved on 2007-03-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King
  3. ^ a b c Rugby at the 1924 Olympics. Rugby Football History. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  4. ^ 8th All Black Test : 88th All Black Game. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-03-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet.
  5. ^ South Africa vs France > Games Played. rugbydata. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason.
  6. ^ 2/3/4/5/6 Nations Winners. Rugby World. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  7. ^ a b c d Six Nations history. BBC Sport (January 28, 2002). Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  8. ^ France > Most Wins in a row. rugbydata. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Six Nations roll of honour. BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  10. ^ 1977 in France. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  11. ^ 184th All Black Test : 753rd All Black Game. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  12. ^ 1994 France in New Zealand. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  13. ^ Le premier maillot de l'Equipe de France (French). Sncf. com. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  14. ^ 2 janvier 1911 : la naissance d’une Nation (French). Rugby-nomades. qc. ca. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  15. ^ Le coq dans le sport (PDF) (French). Crdp. ac-bordeaux. fr. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  16. ^ Le coq sportif (PDF) (French). Crdp. ac-bordeaux. fr. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  17. ^ Ecusson en forme de coq, devenu emblème national (French). Musee du Sport. Retrieved on 2007-03-04. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 51 - Nero, later to become Roman Emperor, is given the title Princeps iuventutis (head of the youth
  18. ^ Owen, James. "Bird Flu Strikes at French Identity, Cuisine", natinoalgeographic. com, 2006-03-02. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 986 - Louis V becomes King of the Franks. 1127 - Assassination of Charles the Good Retrieved on 2007-06-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians  
  19. ^ Parc des Princes. 2rugby. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  20. ^ Stade Colombes. 2rugby. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  21. ^ a b Stade de France. rbs6nations. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  22. ^ An archive of international results can be found at www.irb.com accessed 2007-05-06
  23. ^ 1991 Rugby World Cup Results. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. worldcupweb. com. Retrieved on 2007-09-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1400 - Owain Glyndŵr is declared Prince of Wales by his followers
  24. ^ a b Destination France. rugbyworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2007-04-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
  25. ^ a b Six Nations roll of honour. bbc. co. uk (2004-01-29). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. Retrieved on 2007-05-03. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João
  26. ^ “France”, Rugby News 38 (9): 50, 2007 
  27. ^ 231st All Black Test : 871st All Black Game. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-03. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João
  28. ^ 335th All Black Test : 1053rd All Black Game. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-03. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João
  29. ^ 381st All Black Test : 1101st All Black Game. allblacks. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-03. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João
  30. ^ Team Statistics (Displaying top 20 with ties). rugbyworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter.
  31. ^ Player Statistics (Displaying top 20 with ties). rugbyworldcup. com. Retrieved on 2007-05-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter.
  32. ^ a b International Teams > France > Teams Played. rugbydata. com (2007-09-14). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 81 - Domitian becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire upon the death of his brother Titus. Retrieved on 2007-06-22. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 217 BC - Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid kingdom.
  33. ^ Statistics exclude the match played against New Zealand Māori as this is not a full international side. New Zealand Māori is the name of a Rugby union team that traditionally plays teams touring New Zealand.
  34. ^ Ranking archives can be found at the IRB website; www.irb.com
  35. ^ Overall record excludes France's match against the New Zealand Māori
  36. ^ Gallagher, Brendan. New Zealand Māori is the name of a Rugby union team that traditionally plays teams touring New Zealand. "Joining the legends an added bonus for Wood", telegraph. co. uk, 2005-11-17. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 284 - Diocletian is proclaimed emperor by his soldiers Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.  
  37. ^ Jean Prat. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  38. ^ "Heroes of French rugby", The Observer, 2006-02-05. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1576 - Henry of Navarre converts to Roman Catholicism in order to ensure his right to the throne of France. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.  
  39. ^ André Boniface. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  40. ^ Leaping for joy at Grand Slam glory. nobok. co. uk. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  41. ^ Jo Maso. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  42. ^ Jean-Pierre Rives. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  43. ^ Serge Blanco. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  44. ^ Philippe Sella. rugbyhalloffame. com. Retrieved on 2007-06-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland.
  45. ^ Philippe Sella - Simply the best. nobok. co. uk. Retrieved on 2007-06-28. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul.
  46. ^ Sella's record of 111 test caps was overtaken by Fabien Pelous
  47. ^ a b c d e Records (French). Fabien Pelous (born December 7, 1973) is a French Rugby union footballer ffr. fr. Retrieved on 2007-04-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama
  48. ^ a b Dine (2001), pg 155.
  49. ^ Jacques Fouroux. telegraph. co. uk (2005-12-20). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.
  50. ^ Dine (2001), pg 160.
  51. ^ a b Brine (2001), pg 172–173.
  52. ^ Patel, Tara. "French, in Anglo-Saxon Game, Can No Longer Rest on Latin Laurels", International Herald Tribune, 1992-03-19. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.  
  53. ^ "Berbizier launches Laporte attack", bbc. co. uk, 2007-01-29. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.  
  54. ^ "Sport: Rugby Union Skrela steps down as French coach", bbc. co. uk, 1999-11-16. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.  
  55. ^ "Laporte gets France job", bbc. co. uk, 1999-11-22. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 498 - Kofi Aseidu- After the death of Anastasius II, Symmachus is elected Pope in the Lateran Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.  
  56. ^ "Lievremont appointed France coach", bbc. co. uk, 2007-10-24. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 69 - Second Battle of Bedriacum, forces under Antonius Primus the commander of the Danube armies loyal to Vespasian, defeat Retrieved on 2007-10-25. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a  
  57. ^ a b Couret, Jean-Paul. "All Blacks are not dangerous, says French coach", Reuters News, 2002-11-19. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1095 - The Council of Clermont, called by Pope Urban II to discuss sending the First Crusade to the Holy Land  
  58. ^ Ryan, Ray. "Bord Bia launch lamb promotion", Irish Examiner, 2003-05-26. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.  
  59. ^ a b Couret, Jean-Paul. "French players enjoy new home", Reuters News, 2002-11-08. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1519 - Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with great a Celebration  

Bibliography

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