Opinion
Top 14
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.
103 Articles
Latest
15 days ago Investec Champions Cup
Dupont-less Toulouse's Champions Cup defence in question
31 days ago Investec Champions Cup
After some fallow years, Clermont Auvergne are on the comeback trail
38 days ago International Rugby
France sending a weakened side to New Zealand has been criticised
52 days ago Six Nations
Toulouse team-mate Jack Willis can be an example to Antoine Dupont
Opinion
'No-nonsense' heroes square up for Six Nations-defining tussle in Dublin
Peter O'Mahony and Francois Cros play brilliantly effective if somewhat unheralded roles for Ireland and France.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Feb 2025, 18:28
Opinion
France lack killer instinct of champions after dose of rugby ‘yips’
A lack of execution under pressure made France's defeat by England the most demoralising of Fabien Galthié’s reign.
Gavin Mortimer
11 Feb 2025, 13:16
Opinion
Is the age of the supersized wing over?
Jonah Lomu brought the advent of the behemoth on the wing but a new raft of jet-heeled, smaller wings has taken hold
Gavin Mortimer
05 Feb 2025, 3:08
Analysis
Comeback kings and Champions Cup boost French morale for Six Nations
Two returning players and French teams' results in Europe put Les Bleus in good heart despite injuries.
Gavin Mortimer
21 Jan 2025, 4:20
Opinion
Money not everything in Toulouse ‘paradise’ as rivals try to rein in champions
Rivals may be envious of Toulouse's budget but the French and European champions' success is not just about money.
Gavin Mortimer
07 Jan 2025, 10:43
Opinion
'Lightweight' Premiership not preparing England players for Test rugby
England's top-flight is turning out soft players incapable of withstanding the pressures of international rugby.
Gavin Mortimer
19 Nov 2024, 4:57
Analysis
The ferocity of the Top 14 doesn't help Fabien Galthie and France
After a summer of disharmony, Les Bleus are back in action with their talisman Antoine Dupont but there are problems from within t…
Gavin Mortimer
06 Nov 2024, 3:20
Opinion
Jack Willis: England 'crazy' not to select Toulouse star
The RFU's policy on not selecting overseas-based stars deprives them of their most in-form player.
Gavin Mortimer
29 Oct 2024, 10:19
Exclusive
Mako Vunipola: 'Lunch is a big thing in France. It’s something we need to adjust to in England.'
The England and Saracens legend is getting used to the quiet life in Brittany and inspiring the next generation of front rows
Gavin Mortimer
26 Oct 2024, 7:05
Opinion
Vannes the man: Mako Vunipola already a cult-hero in France
The Brittany club has swiftly embraced the ex-England prop in their debut Top 14 campaign.
Gavin Mortimer
26 Sep 2024, 12:39
Opinion
Can Toulouse winning machine Ugo Mola undo England's straitjacket?
The decorated Toulouse boss wants to coach England. Maybe he's what they need.
Gavin Mortimer
18 Sep 2024, 9:07
Opinion
From euphoria to scandal: French rugby's summer of unmitigated woe
A year after the Rugby World Cup feelgood, the French game has lurched from crisis to crisis.
Gavin Mortimer
06 Sep 2024, 3:57
Opinion
Montpellier have offered Stuart Hogg a shot at salvation
The former Scotland captain has been offered a chance of redemption in France like many 'bad boys' who have gone before him
Gavin Mortimer
22 Aug 2024, 3:43
Opinion
Kolisi's short-term French leave shows Top 14 is no playground for superstars of the game
The premier French league is no retirement home for superstars of the game and players have to immerse themselves one hundred perc…
Gavin Mortimer
08 Aug 2024, 5:19
Opinion
There is a new Olympian God - and he's French
Antoine Dupont's exploits have seen him transcend not just rugby, but sports itself in France and he is a blessing for the game
Gavin Mortimer
29 Jul 2024, 7:31
Opinion
French South America tour beset by off-field issues to mirror political tumult at home
Melvyn's Jaminet's ill-advised social media posts and two players arrested for sexual assault have rocked France's summer tour
Gavin Mortimer
11 Jul 2024, 3:57
Opinion
Bordeaux take Toulouse route with homegrown stars set to light up final
Homegrown talent and wise recruitment have taken Bordeaux to the brink of emulating Toulouse's success.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Jun 2024, 5:55
Opinion
How Jack Nowell came good at La Rochelle
The former England wing had a tough start in French rugby but is now a game away from a Top 14 final.
Gavin Mortimer
20 Jun 2024, 8:22
Analysis
The ‘try from the end of the world’ that embarrassed All Black debutant Lomu
The debut 30 years ago of Jonah Lomu, who revolutionised rugby, was overshadowed by one of the all-time great tries by France.
Gavin Mortimer
07 Jun 2024, 2:07
Opinion
Damian Penaud; France's free spirit who refuses to be tamed
The enigmatic France and Bordeaux wing is uncoachable and untouchable, which is why rugby should treasure him
Gavin Mortimer
20 May 2024, 12:32
