Analysis
Six Nations
Why it's time to stop using Lions rigours as an excuse for French supremacy
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Contributors
Gavin Mortimer
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.
124 Articles
Latest
Six Nations
Mickael Guillard, a future France captain, thriving in hybrid role
3
20 days ago
Six Nations
The abundance of English backrows in France is damaging Les Bleus
29
32 days ago
Six Nations
TV cash talks and the 6Ns game moving to Thursday could be repeated
4
48 days ago
Top 14
Does the FFR want to reduce to Top 14 by two clubs for player welfare?
35
76 days ago
Opinion
France’s golden generation in danger of greying without living up to expectations
Fabien Galthie's men have flattered this Autumn and have looked one-paced and pedestrian, so can they rediscover their va-va-voom?
Gavin Mortimer
20 Nov 2025, 3:41
17
Opinion
‘Another defeat against bogey team South Africa will really give France les bleus’
France are still haunted by their RWC23 quarter-final loss to the Springboks, who could reopen old wounds in Paris.
Gavin Mortimer
06 Nov 2025, 3:34
19
Opinion
‘Even with all their injuries and rarely at full-strength, France are still a formidable side’
France's autumn absentees may be into double figures, but with a refreshed Matthieu Jalibert and other stars, they will still be a…
Gavin Mortimer
23 Oct 2025, 9:10
10
Opinion
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
Gavin Mortimer
09 Oct 2025, 8:44
16
Opinion
Why the Top 14 are giving referees a guard of honour
The erosion of the authority of referees has been seeping into rugby for too long and Top 14 officials have been compelled to act
Gavin Mortimer
28 Sep 2025, 3:10
3
Opinion
Where have all the great French tighthead props gone?
French tightheads haven’t moved with the times, lacking the dynamic power and all-round skills of their major rivals.
Gavin Mortimer
10 Sep 2025, 3:53
10
Opinion
‘It's not money that guarantees success, it’s attitude’ – Racing U-turn should act as warning to Newcastle
Racing 92's move away from 'galáctico' signings shows recruiting top players on big salaries is not a recipe for long-term succes…
Gavin Mortimer
25 Aug 2025, 4:14
9
Opinion
Generation gap: Can we meaningfully compare players separated by half a century?
Comparisons between Lions players and teams across different decades is difficult given the huge changes the game has undergone.
Gavin Mortimer
05 Aug 2025, 2:59
11
Opinion
‘In rugby we need something new’: Lions tour to France gaining traction
Sporting and financial interests mean the French rugby federation is open to the possibility of a future Lions tour.
Gavin Mortimer
30 Jul 2025, 2:17
43
Opinion
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'
The gruelling and engrossing league is the lifeblood of French rugby, rather than the national team's summer voyages south of the …
Gavin Mortimer
16 Jul 2025, 14:43
148
Opinion
Have France made New Zealand's forthright pundits come over all sheepish?
France produced a sterling performance in Dunedin which defied many ex-All Blacks' barbs about the strength of their touring squad…
Gavin Mortimer
10 Jul 2025, 1:21
66
Opinion
Has 'narrow-mindedness' cost Ribbans and others their Lions chance?
The England lock is in superb form for Toulon, and plays in an area of Andy Farrell's squad not blessed with great depth.
Gavin Mortimer
18 Jun 2025, 0:39
25
Opinion
Is it the end of the one-club man?
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…
Gavin Mortimer
09 Jun 2025, 9:35
Opinion
'The French don’t understand Pollock is purposely playing the pantomime villain'
Bordeaux's response to Henry Pollock's antics and the reaction in France suggest the French do not 'get' tongue-in-cheek humour.
Gavin Mortimer
28 May 2025, 2:30
143
Opinion
Fans flock to France’s ‘formidable’ ProD2 as English second tier plays catch-up
With former Test stars and record crowds, the ProD2 is a showcase for French rugby as the play-offs begin.
Gavin Mortimer
22 May 2025, 8:37
Opinion
'Love him or hate him, Henry Pollock has got the rugby world talking.'
The Northampton and England backrow's confidence, verve and raw ability have raised eyebrows around the globe
Gavin Mortimer
07 May 2025, 14:52
16
Opinion
Fur set to fly as Parisian duo dragged into Top 14 relegation dogfight
While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
Gavin Mortimer
24 Apr 2025, 4:00
1
Opinion
Are 'tired' Toulouse a diminished force without Antoine Dupont?
The Investec Champions Cup holders look weary and devoid of attacking spark since being shorn of their totemic scrum-half.
Gavin Mortimer
17 Apr 2025, 0:55
6
Analysis
Clermont's comeback gathers pace as fallen European heavyweights plot path to redemption
After the golden years of Rougerie, Parra, Fofana and Keyser, Clermont's fall was swift but there are signs the tide is turning
Gavin Mortimer
01 Apr 2025, 8:58
Opinion
'Matches between Les Bleus and the All Blacks are rarely for the faint-hearted.'
There is a history of rancour and recriminations between France and New Zealand and this summer's Test series promises to be red-h…
Gavin Mortimer
25 Mar 2025, 7:15
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