Morgane Bourgeois’ World Cup notebook: The 2nd Chapter

The first match against Italy was frustrating. The frustration stays with us every day. A reminder: we must work harder, set higher standards, but never forget to find joy in every moment on the pitch. Qualifying for the quarter-finals, from now our Rugby World Cup journey is truly underway.

The week building into our second match against Brazil began with a rest day in Exmouth, a small seaside town where we took the time to breathe and reconnect. Later, World Rugby organised an activity for us. We participated in a boat race and shared special moments with athletes and supporters. Along the way, we also met the Brazilian players, who shyly asked us for photos. It was rare and meaningful to have such an exchange with our weekend opponents.

It truly showed how proud these players are to represent their country, and the progress they have made to reach this level. For them, taking part in this competition is already a triumph.

At lunchtime, we shared a meal by the quay, accompanied by a quiet singer. Little by little, his energy grew and he managed to draw in the entire table. Soon, the whole team had gathered on the terrace, and we ended up arm in arm, singing some Adele songs together!

On Saturday, those of us outside the matchday group were in charge of presenting the jerseys. Together, we wanted to do it in a slightly different way.

That’s when Manae (Feleu) and Assia (Khalfaoui) came up with the idea of displaying childhood photos of each player, a reminder to every little girl inside us that she had achieved her dream of playing in a World Cup. Now, our job is to do everything we can to make them proud.

 

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The match against Brazil brought a real attacking festival from the team, seen from the stands. It was a joy to watch, but I have to admit it stirred a small frustration… I was itching to get out there and be part of the celebration with my teammates.

After the final whistle, the Brazilian players came into our changing room. They all wanted to swap jerseys and shorts, and in their eyes there was a kind of innocent pride that was almost overwhelming. We felt privileged to share that moment with them.

Together, we shared not only our gears but also our cultures, through a moment of dancing all together. That too is part of what the World Cup is about.

Then it was on to Northampton. Four hours on the bus stood between us and the city where we would play our final pool match.

Two buses were at our disposal, and choosing the right one turned out to matter. I was lucky enough to be on the first to arrive; the second had to change its route and reached the hotel nearly an hour later.

Once we arrived, we rushed to discover our new base camp: a magnificent hotel, like a castle, where we explored every corner like children lost in Disneyland. Very quickly, the team’s new common room took shape. Everyone brought out their games, Annaëlle (Deshayes) set up her Switch, and the puzzle crew got busy on a new challenge.

Wednesday 3rd September marked the arrival of our families. A long-awaited moment that gave us back energy and smiles.

It is all thanks to them that we are here today, which makes sharing these moments together so important. They are used to following us, supporting us all around the world, but they don’t live what we experience on a daily basis. This week, they were able to see up close what our training days look like, discover our facilities, visit our hotel with its living spaces, work rooms and meeting areas, and finally meet the teammates we talk to them about so often.

Saturday 6th, the eve of our match. But it was also the return of the Top 14. Between Rugby World Cup, the Rugby Championship, and now the Top 14, there was always a TV on, a phone streaming, and passionate debates over every game.

The weekend brought a growing fervour, and in Northampton the atmosphere was electric.

As our bus pulled in, the crowd welcomed us as if we were at home, in an atmosphere that felt almost French. The English usually tend to cheer for our opponents, but this time our supporters had travelled in large numbers. Between the trumpets and the drums, I even heard ‘Allez Momo’ from old friends I never imagined seeing again.

This World Cup attracts, drives, and brings people together.

On the field, the team produced a complete performance, not perfect, but highly encouraging. Match after match, step by step, we keep building our story.

Our families were there in force, and we could hear them clearly despite the 13,000 lively fans in the stadium. Their presence reminded us that behind every game, there is an invisible support that carries us forward.