Opinion
Autumn Nations Series
France’s golden generation in danger of greying without living up to expectations
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Contributors
Gavin Mortimer
Few Anglophone rugby writers have such an intimate (and painful) knowledge of French rugby as Gavin Mortimer. Having been gouged, butted and stamped during two seasons as a player in the deep south of the country, Gavin now prefers the more sedate pastime of writing about the state of the game in France. Over the years he’s interviewed the likes of Bernard Laporte, Frederic Michalak and Antoine Dupont, and he also provides co-commentary for Canal Plus’s English language coverage of the Top 14.
119 Articles
Latest
International Rugby
South Africa can reopen recently healed wounds for France from RWC23
19
28 days ago
International Rugby
Even with all their injuries, France are still a formidable side
10
42 days ago
International Rugby
Antoine Dupont has been criticised while recovering from injury
16
56 days ago
Top 14
Undermining of referees has to stop, something the Top 14 recognises
3
67 days ago
Opinion
Where have all the great French tighthead props gone?
French tightheads haven’t moved with the times, lacking the dynamic power and all-round skills of their major rivals.
Gavin Mortimer
10 Sep 2025, 3:53
10
Opinion
‘It's not money that guarantees success, it’s attitude’ – Racing U-turn should act as warning to Newcastle
Racing 92's move away from 'galáctico' signings shows recruiting top players on big salaries is not a recipe for long-term succes…
Gavin Mortimer
25 Aug 2025, 4:14
9
Opinion
Generation gap: Can we meaningfully compare players separated by half a century?
Comparisons between Lions players and teams across different decades is difficult given the huge changes the game has undergone.
Gavin Mortimer
05 Aug 2025, 2:59
11
Opinion
‘In rugby we need something new’: Lions tour to France gaining traction
Sporting and financial interests mean the French rugby federation is open to the possibility of a future Lions tour.
Gavin Mortimer
30 Jul 2025, 2:17
43
Opinion
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'
The gruelling and engrossing league is the lifeblood of French rugby, rather than the national team's summer voyages south of the …
Gavin Mortimer
16 Jul 2025, 14:43
149
Opinion
Have France made New Zealand's forthright pundits come over all sheepish?
France produced a sterling performance in Dunedin which defied many ex-All Blacks' barbs about the strength of their touring squad…
Gavin Mortimer
10 Jul 2025, 1:21
67
Opinion
Has 'narrow-mindedness' cost Ribbans and others their Lions chance?
The England lock is in superb form for Toulon, and plays in an area of Andy Farrell's squad not blessed with great depth.
Gavin Mortimer
18 Jun 2025, 0:39
25
Opinion
Is it the end of the one-club man?
Henry Chavancy may not be a household name but the Racing 92 talisman bade farewell after 17 years and one wonders if we'll see hi…
Gavin Mortimer
09 Jun 2025, 9:35
Opinion
'The French don’t understand Pollock is purposely playing the pantomime villain'
Bordeaux's response to Henry Pollock's antics and the reaction in France suggest the French do not 'get' tongue-in-cheek humour.
Gavin Mortimer
28 May 2025, 2:30
143
Opinion
Fans flock to France’s ‘formidable’ ProD2 as English second tier plays catch-up
With former Test stars and record crowds, the ProD2 is a showcase for French rugby as the play-offs begin.
Gavin Mortimer
22 May 2025, 8:37
Opinion
'Love him or hate him, Henry Pollock has got the rugby world talking.'
The Northampton and England backrow's confidence, verve and raw ability have raised eyebrows around the globe
Gavin Mortimer
07 May 2025, 14:52
16
Opinion
Fur set to fly as Parisian duo dragged into Top 14 relegation dogfight
While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
Gavin Mortimer
24 Apr 2025, 4:00
1
Opinion
Are 'tired' Toulouse a diminished force without Antoine Dupont?
The Investec Champions Cup holders look weary and devoid of attacking spark since being shorn of their totemic scrum-half.
Gavin Mortimer
17 Apr 2025, 0:55
6
Analysis
Clermont's comeback gathers pace as fallen European heavyweights plot path to redemption
After the golden years of Rougerie, Parra, Fofana and Keyser, Clermont's fall was swift but there are signs the tide is turning
Gavin Mortimer
01 Apr 2025, 8:58
Opinion
'Matches between Les Bleus and the All Blacks are rarely for the faint-hearted.'
There is a history of rancour and recriminations between France and New Zealand and this summer's Test series promises to be red-h…
Gavin Mortimer
25 Mar 2025, 7:15
113
Opinion
‘Dupont may return just as fast and even wiser and smarter. France, and the world, hopes so’
ACL injuries are mentally challenging but Antoine Dupont's club-mate Jack Willis is proof players can come back even stronger.
Gavin Mortimer
11 Mar 2025, 1:17
11
Opinion
'No-nonsense' heroes square up for Six Nations-defining tussle in Dublin
Peter O'Mahony and Francois Cros play brilliantly effective if somewhat unheralded roles for Ireland and France.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Feb 2025, 15:28
3
Opinion
France lack killer instinct of champions after dose of rugby ‘yips’
A lack of execution under pressure made France's defeat by England the most demoralising of Fabien Galthié’s reign.
Gavin Mortimer
11 Feb 2025, 10:16
9
Opinion
Is the age of the supersized wing over?
Jonah Lomu brought the advent of the behemoth on the wing but a new raft of jet-heeled, smaller wings has taken hold
Gavin Mortimer
05 Feb 2025, 0:08
11
Analysis
Comeback kings and Champions Cup boost French morale for Six Nations
Two returning players and French teams' results in Europe put Les Bleus in good heart despite injuries.
Gavin Mortimer
21 Jan 2025, 1:20