France

France hold on against heroic Italy

Defending champs France kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a narrow bonus-point victory over Italy in Rome on Sunday.

LIVE: Italy vs France

Follow the live action as Italy face defending Six Nations champions France at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 11: Paul Willemse of France runs at Tomas Francis of Wales during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and France at Principality Stadium on March 11, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Willemse completes France return

Experienced second-rower Paul Willemse will make his first Test start since last year’s Six Nations when France begin the defence of their title against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 19: Antoine Dupont, the France captain, raises the Six Nations trophy after their Grand Slam victory during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby match between France and England at the Stade de France on March 19, 2022 in Paris, France.

Six Nations: France favourites, but have it tougher in ’23

With the highly-anticipated Six Nations set to kick-off this weekend, check out this preview of each of the nations that will be challenging for the honour of top European team in 2023.

epa09836853 France's Antoine Dupont looks on during the Six Nations rugby match between France and England in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, France, 19 March 2022.

Les Bleus legend slams France rugby

Former France back-row Olivier Magne said off-the-field problems bedevilling the country’s rugby are “sad” to see as Les Bleus prepare to start the defence of their Six Nations crown on Sunday.

France boss Laporte resigns after corruption conviction

Bernard Laporte on Friday resigned from his role as president of France’s rugby union federation after being convicted of corruption.

Willemse boost for France

Lock Paul Willemse was named in France’s Six Nations squad after missing five Tests last year with a knee injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has announced.

epa09594821 Cameron Woki (C) of France celebrates a try during the Rugby Union Autumn International Test match between France and New Zealand in Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, 20 November 2021.

Woki adds to France’s early Six Nations woes

Cameron Woki, a pivotal figure in France’s Six Nations Grand Slam last season, will miss this year’s tournament due to a broken wrist, adding to the defending champions’ injury woes.

French prop’s court saga continues

France prop Mohamed Haouas will be back in court in May charged with “wilful violence” in an incident on New Year’s Day 2014 after a court refused that he be represented by his lawyer.

British & Irish Lions assistant coach Scotland coach Gregor Townsend backs global Test calendar

Scotland coach eyes shock France switch

Gregor Townsend has reportedly applied for a role with the French national team when his contract as Scotland head coach comes to an end following the World Cup.