Opinion
England
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.
83 Articles
Latest
29 days ago Top 14
Bordeaux emulate Toulouse pathway to success from youth to senior team
36 days ago Top 14
Jack Nowell overcomes tough start to earn his stripes at La Rochelle
49 days ago International Rugby
Lomu's Test debut overshadowed by France's 'try from end of the world'
67 days ago Top 14
Damian Penaud is one of the world's best and most enigmatic wings
Opinion
Do 'humiliated' Montpellier need a change of ownership?
Mohed Altrad's reign has seen a slew of coaches hired and fired, and club culture eroded.
Gavin Mortimer
09 May 2024, 3:20
Analysis
Toulouse back in the pink on and off the field
After hitting rock-bottom in 2017, Europe's most successful club have rediscovered their élan.
Gavin Mortimer
30 Apr 2024, 10:50
Analysis
France and All Blacks in tug of war over latest star from New Caledonia
Patrick Tuifua is being courted by France's Top 14 giants but is also eligible for New Zealand.
Gavin Mortimer
17 Apr 2024, 9:30
Opinion
The 'English invasion' gathers pace in France but is no guarantor of success
A trickle is turning into a torrent of English stars, departing their clubs for the delights of France but bumps in the road await
Gavin Mortimer
04 Apr 2024, 10:50
Analysis
New moon rising for Galthie
The doubters were out in force after a humiliating Ireland loss but France can look forward with renewed optimism.
Gavin Mortimer
22 Mar 2024, 5:44
Analysis
France used to fear England - have the tables turned?
Will the ghosts of Le Crunches past haunt Fabien Galthie's team in transition on a red-hot Saturday night in Lyon?
Gavin Mortimer
14 Mar 2024, 4:38
Opinion
Who cares who wins this year's Six Nations?
With France still in post-World Cup trauma and other nations in transition, is this year's championship largely irrelevant?
Gavin Mortimer
05 Mar 2024, 3:39
Opinion
Why serial underachievers Racing 92 spend big and win little
Galacticos keep swarming to Paris on eye-popping salaries, yet the storied club have almost nothing to show for their millions.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Feb 2024, 16:40
Analysis
Are the knives out for Shaun Edwards?
After a lacklustre start to the Six Nations, French opinion may be turning against the storied English defence guru.
Gavin Mortimer
19 Feb 2024, 15:37
Opinion
'The French believe that their team without Dupont is like Asterix without his magic potion'
The collapse of Les Bleus against Ireland has led to much wailing and navel gazing, with the absent Antoine Dupont coming under sc…
Gavin Mortimer
07 Feb 2024, 7:47
Analysis
Old timers back in vogue as France favour Springboks' approach
Fabien Galthié opts for experience over youth to help France recover from their World Cup setback.
Gavin Mortimer
31 Jan 2024, 6:04
Analysis
Late developer Lucu primed to step into Dupont limelight
Antoine Dupont will be conspicuous by his absence from the Six Nations, but his likely replacement could make life tough for Franc…
Gavin Mortimer
11 Jan 2024, 11:16
Opinion
French leave will broaden Arundell's horizons
Henry Arundell may be off limits to England in Paris but examples abound of young players boosting their careers by moving abroad.
Gavin Mortimer
19 Dec 2023, 10:38
Analysis
Are the French falling out of love with Europe?
Could the extra demands of the Top 14 be hindering the efforts of French sides in the Champions Cup?
Gavin Mortimer
14 Dec 2023, 4:24
Analysis
You’re fired! Top 14 follows football’s trend of ‘musical chairs’
Montpellier's brutal replacement of Richard Cockerill with a 'journeyman' underlines the Top 14's policy of hiring and firing coac…
Gavin Mortimer
28 Nov 2023, 10:13
Analysis
Antoine Dupont's Olympics dream divides France
The superstar's decision to forsake the Six Nations for Sevens has not been universally welcomed
Gavin Mortimer
22 Nov 2023, 10:52
Opinion
Why do the French love a bit of argy bargy?
The sad passing of enforcer Alain Esteve has brought into spotlight the reputation for thuggery in France in the 1970s
Gavin Mortimer
09 Nov 2023, 17:27
Opinion
Fabien Galthié's French honeymoon is over
As public and media attitudes cool towards him, which version of the French coach will we see next?
Gavin Mortimer
30 Oct 2023, 7:05
Opinion
The night the French dream died
The devastation took hold at the final whistle but when the pain recedes, France have a young squad and will throw everything at A…
Gavin Mortimer
17 Oct 2023, 7:14
Opinion
'The French respect South Africa but they don’t admire them the way they do New Zealand'
Little historical enmity exists between Les Bleus and the Springboks, but that won't dampen a phenomenal Rugby World Cup quarter-f…
Gavin Mortimer
11 Oct 2023, 11:24
