‘We’re on the right path’: Inside the rise of France’s young sevens squad

Lili Dezou is leading the France women’s sevens team with a strong determination, guiding a squad of young players that are exceeding expectations.

Currently third in the standings with three podium finishes this season, France is in a period of development, focusing on smart, controlled play and consistent improvement.

As they head into the SVNS World Championship in LA, Dezou and her team are not just expecting results, they’re looking to build a lasting impact.

LA’s Dignity Health Sports Park will host the World Championship and SVNS Series playoffs on May 3-4. Don’t miss out – buy your tickets HERE.

When Lili Dezou speaks about this French side, it’s not with the measured detachment of a veteran captain counting wins and losses.

There’s emotion in it, quietly rooted, and undeniably proud. It’s been a season of growth, producing a team that’s finding its rhythm.

It appears to be a group building on something that might just last.

Reflecting on the campaign so far, Lili Dezou told Rugbypass:

“We finished 3rd three times this season with a new and very young group, which was a bit surprising at first.

“After that, we stayed focused and aimed to improve at each tournament. So overall, we can say it’s been a good season so far.”

France, in the midst of a significant transition, has surpassed expectations. Their podium finishes weren’t just about getting results.

They indicated the arrival of a new generation, one being carefully molded through pressured, high-risk situations, and a strong belief in playing the game their way.

“From our performance in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore, one of the biggest takeaways was the importance of staying true to our identity and the way we want to play.

“We’ve been very intentional about respecting our game plan, being smarter than the opponent, and finding ways to control the game on our terms.

“The team is learning quickly, we’re growing with every match, and every single player is giving their all.

“That commitment and focus are helping us build something strong, and we’re carrying those lessons forward into everything we do.

“We are learning fast, and all the girls are putting their maximum effort in.”

It’s a sentiment that speaks to France’s growing identity on the sevens circuit. Intelligent, composed, and brilliantly creative.

Dezou, at the heart of it, is focused more on purpose. The goal isn’t to chase chaos, it’s to make sense of it.

“This season, the team has gone through a lot of changes. At almost every tournament, we had new, young players who were just discovering the series for the first time.

“Despite that, I think our biggest strength has been our ability to keep building and improving our game, even when the conditions haven’t always been ideal.

“We’ve shown resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to growing together as a team.”

The adaptation has been both technical and cultural. New players don’t just have to understand the systems, they have to feel as though they are a part of them.

That takes time, trust, and patience. For Dezou, it’s about creating space for the next wave to come through, whilst still asking for everything from her team.

“Heading into Hong Kong and Singapore, we knew that making major improvements in just one week would be difficult.

“So instead, our focus was on continuing to play the way we did in the last tournament. Staying consistent, connected, and confident in our game.

“If we just maintain that same level and push just a little bit more in key moments, it will already be a big step forward.

“It’s about fine-tuning the details, staying sharp mentally, and building on the momentum we’ve created.

Canada, she says, was a turning point – not just in the result, but in how the team responded under pressure.

Staying connected to their principles when things got tense. Not chasing the scoreboard, and not overreacting.

“The team spirit is really strong this year, and that makes a big difference during tough matches.

“As captain, I want to make sure the newer players feel supported and confident as they discover what it’s like to play at this level.

“We approach each game with focus, without being intimidated by the opponent, and we prepare one match at a time.

“The goal is always to give everything we have on the pitch, stay united, and trust in our game and each other.

“If we respect our style, we’re in a good place. We don’t need to rush, we just need to be smarter.”

Smart, is a word she returns to often. Not a flashy kind of cleverness, but a clear-eyed understanding of how France wants to play, and why it works when they trust it.

Even as momentum builds, Dezou is under no illusions. This is a team in progress, and there’s no shortcut to the top.

“One of the key challenges we faced heading into Hong Kong and Singapore sevens is gaining more experience against the top teams.

“The more we play against them, the better we’ll understand how to compete at their level and find ways to challenge them in LA.

“We’re getting there, and I truly believe in the potential of this group. We’re on the right path, and every game helps us grow stronger and more prepared.”

The World Championship in LA is the final stop for the new winner-takes-all SVNS Grand Final.

The top eight teams will face off in a bracket-style competition to determine the season’s champion.

There’s no room for a slow start, and no points will be carried over. For a side like France; dangerous, unpredictable, and increasingly polished, it’s an opportunity.

“We knew the conditions in places like Hong Kong and Singapore would be hot and intense, so we prepared for that by training in a heated room in France to help our bodies adapt to the climate.

“We also knew the atmosphere would be incredible, with big crowds and a lot of energy, so we mentally prepared for that too.

“We made sure we could stay focused and enjoy the moment. The goal was to be ready both physically and mentally to make the most of the experience.”

Part of that belief comes from how they’ve trained, not just tactically, but physically and mentally.

Singapore pushed them to their limits in sweltering heat. They know LA will be hot, too. So they will learn to adapt like last time.

Her tone shifts when asked about opponents. There’s no specific target, no underlined names on the schedule.

France doesn’t operate with a fear of anyone, or a false hierarchy. Every game is its own story and learning curve.

“We focus on every team because each match presents a different style of play. Our goal is to perform at our best in every game, regardless of who we’re facing.

“We want to play well consistently, no matter the opponent.”

That doesn’t mean complacency. It means clarity. There’s a sense in this French side that they’re not playing against opponents as much as they are playing for something.

For the team and growth as well as pride of getting it right.

“Personally, my goal is to help build a strong, cohesive group over the years with this team.

“Being captain is a great honour for me, but the most important thing is the success of the team as a whole.

“On the field, I want to continue learning and improving, especially in positions I’m not as familiar with.

“Above all, I want to have fun with the team and enjoy the journey with the girls.”

The SVNS World Championship in LA could shift the entire balance of power. But for Dezou, those things are fuel, not fear.

Dezou talks like a player who’s experienced a team transformation from the inside. Being focused on the growth of a team system rather than surviving, shows her commitment to the game.

She sees LA not as a pressured, high-risk environment, but as a stage. Another step in the evolution of a side that’s learning how to win with style, belief, and flair.

As France take to the field in LA soon, preparing to clash with the best in the world, Lili Dezou will be right in the middle of it. Focused and ready to take on the next challenge.

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Men’s pools for SVNS Series World Championship

Pool A: Argentina, South Africa, France, Great Britain

Pool B: Fiji, Spain, Australia, New Zealand

Women’s pools for SVNS Series World Championship

Pool A: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Great Britain

Pool B: Australia, France, USA, Fiji