Agen back-rower Luke Hamilton opens up about life in France, battling relegation and how the Top 14 compares to the Pro12
Gavin Mortimer
Six Nations: France continue to flatter to deceive
One British newspaper offered a sympathetic assessment of France’s 19-10 defeat to Wales, describing Les Bleus as “transitional”. If only it was that simple. The fact is, however, that between…
The Master of Menace: French enforcer Gerard Cholley
There is a lot of fiction surrounding Gerard Cholley. But first the facts. He was indeed a former boxer, a former paratrooper and a front-row forward of the highest order.…
Study in France reveals findings on frequency of rugby injuries by position
So now it’s official, at least in France. The most dangerous position on a rugby field is hooker. The results were released last week of a three-year medical study commissioned…
Has the France pack gone soft?
We look at whether France’s forwards are lacking the edge and fear factor of yesteryear
Six Nations: Guy Noves making the right calls
Have we made a mistake? This correspondent and the other British and Irish commentators who have been noisily trumpeting that France have appointed the wrong man as their new coach.…
The Top 14 going through a crisis of confidence
If reason was required to explain the insecurity that stalks the professional game in France, one need just look at the standings of the 2009-10 Top 14 table. Perpignan, then…
Toulouse top French clubs flattering to deceive in Europe
There will be few more meaningless matches this season than Saracens trip to Toulouse on Saturday. The Premiership champions have an unassailable lead at the top of Pool One and…
Lyon’s Carl Fearns is aiming for the Top 14
Lyon are 11 points clear of their rivals at the top of the ProD2, France’s second division, and at the heart of their success in the first half of the…
Six French stars of the future
Guy Noves has named his first training squad ahead of next month’s Six Nations, and among the familiar faces are several young players unblooded at Test level. We profile six…