10 Interesting Things to Know About the France National Rugby Team

10 Interesting Things to Know About the France National Rugby Team

The France National Rugby Team, also known as Les Bleus, is one of the  most consistent rugby teams in the world. They have participated in international rugby competitions since 1906, and have so many trophies to show for their efforts. They are also well known for having a unique and creative playing style that usually involves risky moves.  Here are the specifics of the 10 Interesting Things To Know About The France National Rugby. 

1. The Team is Commonly Known As Les Bleus

Because of the blue jerseys that each of France’s international athletic teams wears, the country is frequently referred to as Les Bleus (The Blues) by the media and its supporters, and, one of the country’s most successful sporting teams in the world.

2. They Played Their First Match On January 1, 1906

The first match, which was also France’s first Test, took place in Paris in January 1906 and was won by New Zealand 38-8. It was part of the legendary 1905–1906 All Blacks tour of Europe and North America.

3. They Have Taken Part In All The Rugby World Cup Tournaments

France national rugby team has taken part in every Rugby World Cup. At every tournament, they have advanced at least as far as the quarterfinals.

Both the 2007 and 1991 competitions were co-hosted by France, together with Ireland and the United Kingdom. They also hosted a few games during the 1999 competition, which was mostly hosted by Wales. In 2023, France will host once more.

4. They Have Been Regular Participants In The Six Nations Championship

2012 Six Nations championship, France vs Italy at Stade de France in Paris. Skadd77, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

They are regular participants  in the Six Nations   Championship,  together with England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and, Wales. This tournament is also known as the Guinness Six Nations due to commercial reasons. Ireland is the current champion after taking the 2023 competition. They have won a record four trophies in this tournaments.

5. They Have Lost Most Of The Matches They Have Played Against The All Blacks

France and New Zealand’s All Blacks national rugby union teams have been rivals for many years. This began when they played their first match in Paris in January 1906. New Zealand emerged the winners. The first time France defeated New Zealand 3-0 was in their third match, in 1954. Seven matches have taken place in the teams World Cup history, which is the most of any pair of teams together. In 1987 and 2011 (both at Eden Park and both won by New Zealand), they played two tournament finals. Overall, the All Blacks have defeated France in 13 Tests to their 48 victories, drawing one game.

6. The Team’s Most-Capped Player Is Fabien Pelous

Fabien Pelous. Guillaume Paumier (user:guillom), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The team’s most-capped player is Fabien Pelous, who played in 118 matches for France between 1995 and 2007. With 100 of his 118 France games coming at the lock position, he departed as the most-capped lock in rugby history, a mark that was eventually surpassed by South Africa’s Victor Matfield. 2017 saw the induction of Pelous into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

7. They Are Currently Ranked Second In The World

The rugby union sport’s governing organization, World Rugby, oversees a rating system for national teams called the World Rugby Rankings. Men’s and women’s ranks are different. The member nations of World Rugby’s teams are rated according to their performance in games, with the best teams coming out on top. According to latest rankings, France sits as the second best team in the world.

8. France Is Third All-time In World Cup Point Scoring

With 968 points, France is third all-time in World Cup point scoring. Additionally, they have scored the third most tries and third most penalties. Thierry Lacroix of France led all scorers in points with 112 in the 1995 competition, and Jean-Baptiste Lafond tied David Campese for first place in try scoring in 1991 with six tries.

9. Blanco Was One Of France Greatest Players Of All Times

Serge Blanco. palmipode, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Serge Blanco, is one of France’s greatest rugby players of all times. He was recognized as stylish full-back who held the French record for most tries scored with 38. A remarkable player who played for his country 93 times, is celebrated for having helped his country win Five Nations Grand Slams in 1981 and 1987 while also being part of the team that won the 1991 World Cup. He additionally scored the game-winning try to defeat favorites Australia in the 1987 World Cup semifinals. He was a one-club guy who played his whole career (1974–1992) with Biarritz.

10. The Team’s Current Head Coach is Fabien Galthié

Fabien Galthié. stede64, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fabien Galthié, is currently the head coach and the person tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that France thrives at the international scene. He was a former scrum-half who was a prominent figure in his playing days. He participated in four World Cups and won three Grand Slams throughout his playing career. He had success as a coach at Stade Français and Montpellier, but he has also been eager to travel to extend his views, whether it is with Eddie Jones and England or in Argentina with Los Pumas.

In conclusion, the team is known for being unpredictable, which has both annoyed and pleased fans and rivals. The France National Rugby Team continues to be a competitive force in rugby despite various ups and downs.