The Origins of French Rugby

Article by Sergej Iwanaga (10.04.2025)

When watching a game of rugby in the World Cup or Six Nations, France is a nation capable of competing with the strongest teams in the world, such as South Africa and New Zealand. I specifically remember watching the Rugby World Cup in 2023, where France narrowly lost with a score of 28-29. Their strength has been acknowledged worldwide, even by New Zealand-born coach Warren Gatland, who once said:
“France are always a team that you don’t want to face in the knockout stages of a World Cup. They can play spectacular rugby and are capable of beating anyone on their day.”

But how and why did France turn into such a strong rugby-playing nation, especially when it is not a former part of the British Commonwealth?

It all started in the late 19th century, when French merchants, sailors, and students returning from England brought the game to mainland France. Rugby began to take hold in the southwest of the country, particularly in regions like Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Biarritz. These areas, rich in local pride and deeply rooted in community traditions, provided fertile ground for rugby to flourish.

By the early 20th century, rugby was firmly established in France, and the national team was competing internationally. Despite initial struggles and accusations of playing with “brutality” rather than strategy, the French team gradually developed a unique style—often referred to as “French flair.” This approach emphasized unpredictable, fast, and creative play, contrasting the more structured, physical approach seen in British rugby.

France officially joined the Five Nations Championship (now Six Nations) in 1910. Although they were expelled temporarily in the 1930s due to allegations of professionalism and violence on the pitch, they returned in 1947 and soon became a dominant force. Their passion, technical skill, and unpredictability began to win not just matches, but global admiration.

The rise of domestic rugby through the Top 14 league also helped develop elite talent. Clubs like Stade Toulousain and Clermont Auvergne became rugby powerhouses, investing in youth development and helping to shape the next generations of French internationals. The league’s popularity continues to grow, drawing millions of viewers each year to its dramatic finals and high-level matches.

French rugby’s evolution hasn’t been just about winning games—it’s become a cultural expression. The sport reflects values that resonate with many in France: pride, resilience, artistry, and a rebellious spirit. Players like Serge Blanco, Fabien Pelous, and Antoine Dupont have become national icons, not just for their skill but for embodying what rugby means to the French people.

In recent years, under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthié, the national team has blended their traditional flair with new levels of discipline and fitness. The result? A team capable of dominating the Six Nations and coming heartbreakingly close to lifting the World Cup.

So while France may not have colonial ties to Britain, it has made rugby its own. What began as a foreign import has been transformed into a national treasure—played with passion, watched with pride, and respected around the world.

Sources:

 French Rugby. Rugby Press, 2017. "Top 14: The Heartbeat of French Rugby." World Rugby, https://www.world.rugby/news/632258/top-14-the-heartbeat-of-french-rugby. Accessed 09.04.2025.

Smith, Jack. “Fabien Galthié and t"France 28-29 South Africa: Rugby World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final." BBC Sport, 15 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/67108156. Accessed 09.04.2025.

Harrison, Patrick. A History ofhe Reinvention of French Rugby.” Rugby World Magazine, 10 Feb. 2022, https://www.rugbyworld.com/in-depth/fabien-galthie-french-rugby-reinvention-126001. Accessed 09.04.2025.

Gatland, Warren. Quoted in Kitson, Robert. "France's Flair and Fear Factor Make Them Knockout Specialists." The Guardian, 7 Mar. 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/mar/07/france-rugby-six-nations-gatland. Accessed 09.04.2025. 

Photo Sources:

Fig.1: “Serge Blanco: Un venezolano que hizo historia en el rugby con los Bleus.” Marca, https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/otros-deportes/rugby/2023/09/20/650b6cf6e2704e142e8b456c.html. Accessed 09.04.2025.

Fig.2.: "French players Olivier Saisset a" Alain Lafay, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/french-players-olivier-saisset-and-alain-esteve-jump-to-news-photo/1158809060. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.