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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.
91 Articles
Latest
10 days ago Top 14
Mako Vunipola is enjoying his new life in the Top 14 with Vannes
39 days ago Top 14
Mako Vunipola makes big early impact for ambitious Top 14 side Vannes
47 days ago International Rugby
Can Ugo Mola undo England's straitjacket?
60 days ago International Rugby
French rugby's summer of unmitigated disaster
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
Opinion
Do 'humiliated' Montpellier need a change of ownership?
Mohed Altrad's reign has seen a slew of coaches hired and fired, and club culture eroded.
Gavin Mortimer
09 May 2024, 3:20
Analysis
Toulouse back in the pink on and off the field
After hitting rock-bottom in 2017, Europe's most successful club have rediscovered their élan.
Gavin Mortimer
30 Apr 2024, 10:50
Analysis
France and All Blacks in tug of war over latest star from New Caledonia
Patrick Tuifua is being courted by France's Top 14 giants but is also eligible for New Zealand.
Gavin Mortimer
17 Apr 2024, 9:30
Opinion
The 'English invasion' gathers pace in France but is no guarantor of success
A trickle is turning into a torrent of English stars, departing their clubs for the delights of France but bumps in the road await
Gavin Mortimer
04 Apr 2024, 10:50
Analysis
New moon rising for Galthie
The doubters were out in force after a humiliating Ireland loss but France can look forward with renewed optimism.
Gavin Mortimer
22 Mar 2024, 5:44
Analysis
France used to fear England - have the tables turned?
Will the ghosts of Le Crunches past haunt Fabien Galthie's team in transition on a red-hot Saturday night in Lyon?
Gavin Mortimer
14 Mar 2024, 4:38
Opinion
Who cares who wins this year's Six Nations?
With France still in post-World Cup trauma and other nations in transition, is this year's championship largely irrelevant?
Gavin Mortimer
05 Mar 2024, 3:39
Opinion
Why serial underachievers Racing 92 spend big and win little
Galacticos keep swarming to Paris on eye-popping salaries, yet the storied club have almost nothing to show for their millions.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Feb 2024, 16:40
Analysis
Are the knives out for Shaun Edwards?
After a lacklustre start to the Six Nations, French opinion may be turning against the storied English defence guru.
Gavin Mortimer
19 Feb 2024, 15:37
Opinion
'The French believe that their team without Dupont is like Asterix without his magic potion'
The collapse of Les Bleus against Ireland has led to much wailing and navel gazing, with the absent Antoine Dupont coming under sc…
Gavin Mortimer
07 Feb 2024, 7:47
Analysis
Old timers back in vogue as France favour Springboks' approach
Fabien Galthié opts for experience over youth to help France recover from their World Cup setback.
Gavin Mortimer
31 Jan 2024, 6:04
Analysis
Late developer Lucu primed to step into Dupont limelight
Antoine Dupont will be conspicuous by his absence from the Six Nations, but his likely replacement could make life tough for Franc…
Gavin Mortimer
11 Jan 2024, 11:16
