Why are a section of the French rugby public engaging in 'Dupont bashing'?
The Toulouse superstar has had the audacity to take a breather from rehab to attend some social events and critics aren't happy
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.
The Toulouse superstar has had the audacity to take a breather from rehab to attend some social events and critics aren't happy
The erosion of the authority of referees has been seeping into rugby for too long and Top 14 officials have been compelled to act
French tightheads haven’t moved with the times, lacking the dynamic power and all-round skills of their major rivals.
Racing 92's move away from 'galáctico' signings shows recruiting top players on big salaries is not a recipe for long-term succes…
Comparisons between Lions players and teams across different decades is difficult given the huge changes the game has undergone.
Sporting and financial interests mean the French rugby federation is open to the possibility of a future Lions tour.
The gruelling and engrossing league is the lifeblood of French rugby, rather than the national team's summer voyages south of the …
France produced a sterling performance in Dunedin which defied many ex-All Blacks' barbs about the strength of their touring squad…
The England lock is in superb form for Toulon, and plays in an area of Andy Farrell's squad not blessed with great depth.
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…
Bordeaux's response to Henry Pollock's antics and the reaction in France suggest the French do not 'get' tongue-in-cheek humour.
With former Test stars and record crowds, the ProD2 is a showcase for French rugby as the play-offs begin.
The Northampton and England backrow's confidence, verve and raw ability have raised eyebrows around the globe
While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
The Investec Champions Cup holders look weary and devoid of attacking spark since being shorn of their totemic scrum-half.
After the golden years of Rougerie, Parra, Fofana and Keyser, Clermont's fall was swift but there are signs the tide is turning
There is a history of rancour and recriminations between France and New Zealand and this summer's Test series promises to be red-h…
ACL injuries are mentally challenging but Antoine Dupont's club-mate Jack Willis is proof players can come back even stronger.
Peter O'Mahony and Francois Cros play brilliantly effective if somewhat unheralded roles for Ireland and France.
A lack of execution under pressure made France's defeat by England the most demoralising of Fabien Galthié’s reign.