France

In many past World Cups, France has been a great enigma. The elimination of New Zealand at the hands of Les Bleus in RWCs 1999, and 2007 continue as main features on the highlight reel of World Rugby videos promoting the sport. Among other things that prior World Cups demonstrate …

Rugby United New York have completed the signing of French giant outside center Mathieu Bastareaud. The 30-year-old was linked to a move from Toulon to Major League Rugby (MLR) two weeks ago and now it is official. The 120kg (265lbs) Frenchman confirmed he will be joining New York for the …

The Utah Warriors picked up their long-awaited second win of the season as they defeated Austin Elite 35-19 at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday evening. Two tries from Tongan winger Fetu’u Vainikolo led the way with Utah’s powerful ball carriers proving too much for Austin to handle. Vainikolo’s first try …

The playoffs are out of reach for both the Utah Warriors and Austin Elite, but there is still plenty to play for in the closing weeks of the season. Pride being one, future employment could well be another. It’s been a frustrating season for both sides and for those in …

Austin Elite have formally confirmed the signing of Simon Bienvenu from French Top 14 club Racing 92. The 23-year-old had agreed to join the club several months ago but visa delays have prevented him from making his Major League Rugby debut. An outside center or wing, Bienvenu is a product …

Three North American players have been included in the official HSBC Dream Team for the Kitakyushu Sevens. Cup Final winners Canada contributed captain Ghislaine Landry and Karen Paquin, with Alev Kelter the only selection from the Bronze-winning USA side. Landry’s outstanding tournament was capped by the tournament-winning try and conversion …

A last-gasp try from captain Ghislaine Landry gave Canada a 7-5 win over England in the Cup Final of the Kitakyushu Sevens early Sunday morning. It’s Canada’s first HSBC Sevens Series Cup title since the Sydney Sevens in February 2017 and just their fourth since the Women’s Series began in …

It was a perfect opening day for both North American teams at the Kitakyushu Sevens. The USA and Canada each won all three matches to top their respective pools and qualify for the Cup Quarter Finals that will take place later this evening. Two tries each from Alev Kelter and …

Tournament hosts New Zealand took-on France in the 1987 RWC Final. The fixture was the deciding match of the inaugural Rugby World Cup. It would be the first of two RWC Finals between the All Blacks and Les Bleus at Auckland’s Eden Park. With it being the first ever RWC …

French superstar Mathieu Bastareaud could be on his way to New York next season. According to Midi Olympique, the 30-year-old Toulon powerhouse has requested a short-term loan that would see him play for Rugby United New York in the 2020 Major League Rugby season. The report also claims that Bastareaud, …