France’s November Tests are over and coach Philippe Saint-Andre will have seen some encouraging signs. A 40-15 victory over Fiji was followed by the heartstopping 29-26 defeat of Australia, but…
France
Have France sorted out their half-back issues?
UNLUCKY 13? Philippe Saint-Andre will be hoping not. Since he became coach of France after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Saint-Andre has gone through 12 half-back pairings in his quest…
Saints and Sinners: The weekend’s talking points
Saints Teddy Thomas: Remember the name The 21-year-old from Biarritz is the latest player to be anointed the ‘the prochaine grand chose’ in French rugby. It’s not hard to see…
Teddy Thomas: France’s new star
Find out more about the Racing Métro winger who scored a hat-trick on his France debut
Autumn Series: Players to watch
The next month should give us a pretty good idea of how sides are shaping up for the Rugby World Cup. It’s the final Tests between the Northern and Southern…
Time running out for Philippe Saint-Andre to revive France
Eight games to go. Eight opportunities for Philippe Saint-Andre to finally settle on his starting XV for France’s opening World Cup game, against Italy at Twickenham on September 19. The…
Autumn Series teasers from Guinness rugby
The Autumn Series is nearly upon and and we don’t need reminding that the Rugby World Cup is only 10 months away. Ahead of us is an epic month of rugby.…
Top 14: Time to knuckle down for Montpellier’s Fabien Galthie
There’s always been a touch of the Brendan Venter about Fabien Galthie. The pair have much in common. Very good players who have become very good coaches, harnessing their playing…
Rene Ranger on life in France
On first introduction, Rene Ranger seems so laid-back you would be forgiven for checking his pulse. However, when the versatile, attacking back is asked about his cult hero status back…
Joe Worsley on Bordeaux’s flying start
The Top 14 is having a breather until the end of October as European competition holds sway, allowing clubs a chance to assess their performances a third of the way…