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.
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.
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.
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.
Bernard Laporte on Friday resigned from his role as president of France’s rugby union federation after being convicted of corruption.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even though the Springboks posted a 61% win rate in 2022, South Africa is the “best team in the world”, says renowned France defence coach Shaun Edwards.
French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte, facing a suspended two-year jail sentence for corruption, will offer to step down when he meets the Sports Minister this week, the FFR announced.