Rugby in France. Photo by Wavebreakmedia via Envato Elements
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Last Updated: 6 December 2024

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Rugby in France has come a long way from its scrappy 19th-century beginnings, it’s now a symbol of regional pride and national identity.

In the Southwest, especially, it’s not just a sport—it’s practically a religion.

So, how exactly did a fringe sport from England come to host its World Cup in France in 2023?

The Roots of Rugby in France

Rugby arrived in France in the 1870s, introduced by British expatriates, military, merchants, and students.

Le Havre Athletic Club, founded in 1872, was the first club, followed by Racing Club de France (1882) and Stade Français (1883), helping spread rugby beyond Paris.

In 1892, the first French rugby championship saw Racing Club de France defeat Stade Français under Pierre de Coubertin’s officiation.

Rugby later found its heart in the southwest, with cities like Toulouse and Bayonne embracing the sport. 

By 1919, the French Rugby Federation unified and strengthened the sport nationwide.

Rugby Game Stade français and Le Racing. Drawing by Georges Scott, 1906. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Rugby Game Stade français and Le Racing. Drawing by Georges Scott, 1906. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Rugby in France - Early 20th C.

Rugby in France began as an amateur sport rooted in working-class communities.

However, as it grew, disputes over professionalism emerged by the early 20th century, competing with the rise of rugby league, which offered financial incentives for players. 

These debates were further shaped by both World Wars, during which many players fought and died, leading clubs to suffer.

Yet, the sport’s values of camaraderie, discipline, and resilience deeply resonated with the wartime spirit.

France Scotland 1896. Photo Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

France Scotland 1896. Photo Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Post-War Resurgence and Professionalism

Following World War II, rugby experienced a significant resurgence.

In 1947, France was readmitted to the Five Nations Championship after being excluded in the 1930s over professionalism and on-field violence.

This marked a turning point, cementing France’s place in international rugby and ushering in a new era of growth and popularity.

In the latter half of the 20th century, rugby’s professionalisation gained momentum.

Domestic leagues, including the Top 14 and Pro D2, became vital to the development of French rugby, showcasing elite talent and providing a pathway for players to compete at the highest level. 

Clubs and players embraced commercial opportunities, transforming the sport into a modern enterprise.

By the 1990s, French rugby had established itself as a global force, blending a rich historical tradition with a forward-looking, professional approach.

Modern French Rugby: Global Recognition and Achievements

France’s first international rugby match was played in 1906 against New Zealand, beginning a legacy of fierce competition on the global stage.

Over the decades, French rugby has seen many milestones:

  • 1950s–1960s: France secured its first Five Nations titles, asserting itself as a dominant European force.
  • 1980s: The era of Serge Blanco and Philippe Sella introduced French flair, characterised by creative, attacking rugby.
  • 1990s: France reached the Rugby World Cup final in 1999, losing narrowly to Australia but showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.
  • 2000s: Dominating the Six Nations Championship with Grand Slam victories in 2002, 2004, and 2010, France solidified its reputation as a rugby powerhouse.
  • 2010s–2020s: France’s national team regained prominence under talented players like Antoine Dupont. Hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2023 further highlighted France’s central role in the global rugby community.
Rugby in France Fans. Photo by halfpoint via Envato Elements

Rugby in France Fans. Photo by halfpoint via Envato Elements

The Rise of Women’s Rugby in France

Women’s rugby has grown significantly in France over the past two decades.

The French women’s team (Les Bleues) has achieved remarkable success, regularly competing at the highest levels in the Six Nations and World Cups.

Their performances have inspired a new generation of players, further diversifying the sport’s appeal.

Female Player Rugby in France. Photo by Image-Source via Envato Elements

Female Player Rugby in France. Photo by Image-Source via Envato Elements

Cultural Impact of Rugby in France

Rugby is more than a sport in France—it’s a cultural phenomenon, especially in the southwest.

Match days turn towns into vibrant hubs, with communities rallying behind their teams.

Fans gather in streets and venues decked in team colours, sharing communal meals of regional specialities like cassoulet or foie gras. 

Songs like Bayonne’s La Peña Baiona and Toulon’s Pilou-Pilou fill the air, reflecting the pride and passion that make rugby a unifying celebration of regional identity.

The rivalry between northern and southern France is also reflected in rugby, with the north traditionally favouring football while the south remains staunchly loyal to rugby.

This divide underscores rugby’s importance as a marker of regional identity.

The presence of French clubs in the Top 14 between 2008 and 2013: Predominantly located in the south of the country (red line: Occitan-speaking countries).

Conclusion

Rugby’s journey in France, from its British origins to its deep cultural roots, reflects the nation’s ability to embrace and adapt traditions to create something uniquely its own.

Whether it’s the fervent chants of supporters in Toulouse, the artistry of Les Bleus on the world stage, or the rise of women’s rugby, the sport continues to shape and be shaped by French culture.

Featured image: photo by Wavebreakmedia via Envato Elements

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