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France
The France rugby team has appeared at every edition of the Rugby World Cup. They’re the current holders of the Six Nations and they also compete in the newly formed Nations Championship.
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World Ranking
France are currently 4th in the World Rugby Rankings. The last time they were World #1 was July 2022.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
France Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Sat 7 Nov, 2026
Fri 13 Nov, 2026
France Rugby Team Players
France Forwards
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France Backs
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France Tournaments
France National Rugby Union Team: Les Bleus
France National Rugby Union Team: Les Bleus
The French rugby team, also known as 'Les Bleus', is one of Europe's leading international sides. Thanks to a catalogue of titles and impressive campaigns, the France national rugby union team is regarded as a fierce and formidable competitor at the Rugby World Cup, the Nations Championship and the Six Nations.
With such a prolific history in terms of achievement, it's no surprise that the France national rugby union team has seen its fair share of quality players. In fact, several of the team's former players have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. This includes fullback Serge Blanco, centre Philippe Sella and lock Fabien Pelous.
France at the Six Nations Championship
France's Six Nations history dates back to 1910, when Les Bleus joined the competition. This resulted in the Home Nations being rebranded as the Five Nations Championship. Today, the France rugby team competes against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations.
In a surprising turn of events, the France national rugby union team was removed from the tournament in 1932. They were excluded on grounds of suspected professionalism, which was not allowed during rugby's amateur era. After the tournament paused during World War II, France were invited to rejoin the Five Nations in 1947.
With the exception of this period, the France rugby team has participated in every Championship since 1910. In 1954, after competing in 37 tournaments, France celebrated their first shared win. Five years later, the French rugby team won their first outright Five Nations title.
To date, the French rugby team has captured 28 titles (20 outright and eight shared victories) and 10 Grand Slams. They’re the current holders of the Six Nations Championship, having claimed the title in both 2025 and 2026. Their last Grand Slam victory came in 2022.
France at the Rugby World Cup
Although they have competed in every edition of the tournament, France have never won the Rugby World Cup. However, as a talented and intimidating team, Les Bleus have reached the final on three occasions. The France rugby team finished as the runners-up in 1987, 1999 and 2011.
France's first Rugby World Cup final came after one of the sport's greatest semi-finals. The match saw a fierce France battle a determined Australia and, just as extra time seemed inevitable, Serge Blanco scored one of the best tries of the modern era. Despite their semi-final triumph, Les Bleus suffered a 29-9 loss against New Zealand in the final.
In 1999, France faced Australia in the final after overcoming New Zealand at the semi-final stage. Sadly though, they fell to a resounding 35-12 defeat. Then, in 2011, the French rugby team almost captured the trophy. They fought a fierce clash against New Zealand, but they lost the match 8-7.
FAQs
How many Rugby World Cups have France won?
France have never won the Rugby World Cup. However, they have reached the final on three occasions.
Who is the head coach of France?
Fabien Galthié is the current head coach of the French rugby team. He’s held the position since 2019.
Who captains France in rugby union?
Antoine Dupont is the current captain of the French rugby team.
Why are France known as Les Bleus?
France are known as Les Bleus because of their traditional blue shirts. The French rugby team shares this nickname with other French national teams, such as the men’s French football team.
When was the France national rugby side founded?
The France rugby team was founded in 1906. They played their first match against New Zealand in Paris in the same year. They were defeated 8-38.
What is France’s biggest defeat in rugby union?
France’s biggest loss was inflicted in 2007, when they were defeated 61-10 by New Zealand in Wellington.
Who has scored the most points for France?
Thomas Ramos is France’s record point-scorer. He’s amassed more than 500 points for his country so far and is still very much at the peak of his powers.
Who has the most caps for France?
Fabien Pelous is France’s most-capped player. He made 118 appearances for his country between 1995 and 2007.
What is France’s record against New Zealand?
France hold a losing record against New Zealand.
The two sides first met in 1906. In total, they’ve played each other on 67 occasions. France have won 15 of these 67 encounters, while New Zealand have won 51. One match ended in a draw.
Have France ever won a Six Nations Grand Slam?
France have won the Six Nations Grand Slam four times since 2000. They most recently claimed the Grand Slam in 2022.
Who is France’s all-time leading try scorer?
France’s all-time leading try-scorer is Damian Penaud. He’s crossed the whitewash more than 40 times already and still has many years of elite rugby ahead of him.
What is France’s best Rugby World Cup finish?
France have finished as runners-up at the Rugby World Cup on three occasions: 1987, 1999 and 2011.
Where do France play their home rugby matches?
France traditionally play their home matches at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris. However, they occasionally also play home matches at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Stade Vélodrome and OL Stadium.
What colours do France play in rugby?
The French team traditionally plays in blue shirts, white shorts and red socks, the colours of the national flag. If this kit clashes with the kit of their opponents, the French team generally wears white.
Who are the most famous French rugby players?
Arguably the most famous rugby player in the world at the moment, Antoine Dupont, plays for the French national team.
Over the years, several other stars of the game have also represented France, including Serge Blanco, Thierry Dusautoir, Fabien Pelous and Jean-Pierre Rives.
