On first introduction, Rene Ranger seems so laid-back you would be forgiven for checking his pulse. However, when the versatile, attacking back is asked about his cult hero status back…
France
Joe Worsley on Bordeaux’s flying start
The Top 14 is having a breather until the end of October as European competition holds sway, allowing clubs a chance to assess their performances a third of the way…
Is Bayonne’s Charles Ollivon France’s Kieran Read?
Meet the latest sensation to set the Top 14 melting pot. Bayonne No 8 Charles Ollivon has burst onto the scene this season with a string of brilliant [1] performances…
Top 14’s latest ‘Revelation’, Rémi Lamerat
It was a night of triumph for Toulon on Monday at the 11th edition of the ‘Nuit du Rugby’, the annual awards ceremony honouring French rugby’s standout performers. Matt Giteau…
Five things we learned in the rugby world in September
Slipping giants It was reported last week that global tiger populations have stabilised. This will come as little consolation to the people of Leicester, as their Tigers are in a…
Top 14: What’s going on at Castres?
The talk of late has been about Toulouse but what of another French club slipping towards the cliff edge? Castres’ fall has been even more precipitous than that of Toulouse,…
French rugby: Fickou omission down to Noves meddling
When you have a moment, take a look at the try in the video below and then ask yourself how it is Gael Fickou hasn’t made the French squad for…
Top 14: Jonathan Wisniewski in the mix
Jonathan Wisniewski is the form fly-half in the Top 14, scoring 55 points in his four appearances after moving to Grenoble from Racing Metro in the summer. Rested for last weekend’s…
Top 14 superstars: Money well-spent or wasted
One meelllion dollars! Okay, it’s Euros but that’s the eye-watering price Racing Metro are rumoured to be willing to pay to prise Matt Giteau from Toulon next summer. The Aussie…
Start of season talking points
Gloucester to pack a punch Gloucester simply weren’t at the races last season, with a porous defence leaking 60 tries and finishing a lowly ninth. It served to be the…