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.
Rivals may be envious of Toulouse's budget but the French and European champions' success is not just about money.
England's top-flight is turning out soft players incapable of withstanding the pressures of international rugby.
After a summer of disharmony, Les Bleus are back in action with their talisman Antoine Dupont but there are problems from within t…
The RFU's policy on not selecting overseas-based stars deprives them of their most in-form player.
The England and Saracens legend is getting used to the quiet life in Brittany and inspiring the next generation of front rows
The Brittany club has swiftly embraced the ex-England prop in their debut Top 14 campaign.
The decorated Toulouse boss wants to coach England. Maybe he's what they need.
A year after the Rugby World Cup feelgood, the French game has lurched from crisis to crisis.
The former Scotland captain has been offered a chance of redemption in France like many 'bad boys' who have gone before him
The premier French league is no retirement home for superstars of the game and players have to immerse themselves one hundred perc…
Antoine Dupont's exploits have seen him transcend not just rugby, but sports itself in France and he is a blessing for the game
Melvyn's Jaminet's ill-advised social media posts and two players arrested for sexual assault have rocked France's summer tour
Homegrown talent and wise recruitment have taken Bordeaux to the brink of emulating Toulouse's success.
The former England wing had a tough start in French rugby but is now a game away from a Top 14 final.
The debut 30 years ago of Jonah Lomu, who revolutionised rugby, was overshadowed by one of the all-time great tries by France.
The enigmatic France and Bordeaux wing is uncoachable and untouchable, which is why rugby should treasure him
Mohed Altrad's reign has seen a slew of coaches hired and fired, and club culture eroded.
After hitting rock-bottom in 2017, Europe's most successful club have rediscovered their élan.
Patrick Tuifua is being courted by France's Top 14 giants but is also eligible for New Zealand.
A trickle is turning into a torrent of English stars, departing their clubs for the delights of France but bumps in the road await
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