France

RWC Rewind: 1999 World Cup

Rugby World Cup 1999 was the first RWC of the professional era. RWC 1995 saw the end of amateurism and with it RWC 1999 would see a change in the landscape of who different teams were prepared compared to that from 1987-1995 RWCs. The 1999 World Cup was also the …

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Michalak Slams Argentina

One week out from Los Pumas vs France in Tokyo former French fly half Frédéric Michalak has slammed Argentina. The RWC 2003, 2007, and 2015 player declared that only Pablo Materia is a world class player. In doing so he praised Matera as being a tremendous defender and attacker, with demonstrable …

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Foreign-Born / Raised Players at RWC 2019

20 teams will compete at RWC 2019 in Japan. Of them 17 have selected players from other countries. How then did they come to qualify for the country they are representing? The following article is aimed at explaining who they are and how they qualify. It is not an opinion …

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Three changes to France roster for RWC

The final squad of 31 named by France to take part at the Rugby World Cup shows three changes to the original list named in June. Dany Priso and Félix Lambey join injured Geoffrey Doumayrou in missing out, with Cyril Baille, Charles Ollivon, and Virimi Vakatawa named in their place. …

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Paul Gabrillagues suspension reduced after appeal

The World Cup chances of France lock Paul Gabrillagues have risen considerably after his suspension was reduced to just three weeks following an appeal. His original punishment was 10 weeks, reduced to six due to mitigating circumstances. Had the original suspension been upheld, Gabrillagues would have missed the first three …

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RWC 2019 – The Competitors – Argentina

Los Pumas are a team that captures the imagination of audiences at Rugby World Cups. From one RWC to the next the South Americans have caught the imagination of neutral supporters at venues as well as millions viewing on TV. For RWC 2019 Argentina is the Americas’ participant with the potential …

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Bastareaud signs short-term deal with Lyon

Mathieu Bastareaud’s eventful summer continues. After a surprise move to Rugby United New York for the 2020 Major League Rugby season, the former France captain was then dropped from the World Cup squad and subsequently announced his retirement from international rugby. Toulon released him entirely from his contract and Bastareaud …

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