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Willy Billiard

After his first Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003, Willy never stopped covering the world's biggest rugby competitions: men's, women's, XV, 7s, U20, senior, etc. As a journalist, translator and editor-in-chief, he was involved with launching RugbyPass FR, which aims to cover international rugby with the French touch.

34 Articles
Exclusive

Axed before Olympic gold: 'The feeling wasn’t easy to live with'

The France 7 veteran ended his career shortly after his long-time team won gold at Paris 2024, even though he was not part of the …

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
23 Aug 2024, 5:57

FFR statement: Investigation updated on the missing Medhi Narjissi

"Following the latest trip of the national men's U18 team to South Africa, the French Rugby Federation have decided to temporarily…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
16 Aug 2024, 4:52
Exclusive

'I panicked': Rabah Slimani lifts lid on Leinster transfer

When Rabah Slimani announced on Instagram on June 29 that he was leaving Clermont after seven seasons, it came as a surprise.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
05 Aug 2024, 7:11
Interview

U20s: “The haka will be secondary,” say Les Bleuets

France's U20s are better prepared for their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Sunday 14 July.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
13 Jul 2024, 4:57
Analysis

France's performances shine despite disturbing off-field dramas

After two victories, France aims to conclude their tour unbeaten when they face Argentina on Saturday, July 13.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
12 Jul 2024, 8:23

Les Bleuettes expect tough crunch vs England after 74-0 win in April

The last Women's U20 Crunch took place in Rouen on April 20th, with the French team achieving a resounding 74-0 victory. The upcom…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
11 Jul 2024, 12:06

Two France players arrested in Argentina for sexual assault

Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou have been arrested by police in Argentina on suspicion of sexual assault.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
09 Jul 2024, 4:25
Interview

U20: Les Bleuets face double challenge to retain title

France U20 faces a major challenge: a formidable Wales team with potentially disastrous weather conditions.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
08 Jul 2024, 12:34

Melvyn Jaminet suspended by France after video clip circulated

On Sunday evening, the French Rugby Federation decided to suspend Melvyn Jaminet from the France squad for making racist remarks.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
07 Jul 2024, 16:38
Analysis

What France U20 think of the Baby Blacks

The second match of the U20 World Championship promises to be a do-or-die affair for both teams.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
03 Jul 2024, 14:24

What Castro-Ferreira will bring to France U20s against New Zealand

The arrival of Stade Toulousain back-row Mathis Castro-Ferreira has shaken up the 23-man Bleuets squad that will face New Zealand.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
02 Jul 2024, 12:20
Analysis

Why France are the team to beat at Six Nations U20 Women's Summer Series

France will start as favourites when the inaugural U20 Women’s Summer Series, organised by Six Nations Rugby, gets underway in P…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
02 Jul 2024, 6:21
Interview

Bleuets vs. Baby Blacks: 'We're all eager to play the best game of our lives'

After their opening match against Spain, France U20 are eagerly anticipating a big game against New Zealand on Thursday.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
01 Jul 2024, 12:40

'We have to say it loud and clear': Antoine Dupont stands up against homophobia

In a cover interview with Têtu magazine, the France star reaffirms rugby's inclusive values as he talks about combatting homophob…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
18 Jun 2024, 5:44
Exclusive

Sharyn Williams: An unexpected debut for Australia and a 30-year record

For 30 years, Sharyn Williams held the record as Australia’s youngest female international rugby player—without even knowing i…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
12 Jun 2024, 9:31
Exclusive

Sergio Parisse uncovers exactly what he went through when retiring

As a guest on the BastaShow, exclusively on RugbyPass TV, former Italy legend Sergio Parisse talks about the difficulties of makin…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
31 May 2024, 13:07
Exclusive

Ex-Wallaby Speight on his short-lived Reds stint, Biarritz lifeline, and dream to coach Fiji

The Fijian, a former Australia international, didn't get the career ending he wanted in Biarritz. Now back in Brisbane, he is look…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
28 May 2024, 18:53
Exclusive

Kevin Rouet: ‘Winning wasn't necessarily the main objective’

In an exclusive interview with RugbyPass, Kevin Rouet, coach of the Canadian women's team, looks back on the historic victory over…

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
22 May 2024, 8:08
Interview

France sevens head coach David Courteix: 'We have to look for luck'

France 7s Women's coach David Courteix discusses the reasons why France have yet to win a cup in the regular season.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
15 May 2024, 7:41

100,000 players: The ambitious target for women's rugby in France

The FFR vice-president in charge of women's rugby has a target of 100,000 players by 2033.

Willy Billiard
Willy Billiard
26 Apr 2024, 5:53
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