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, 5:04
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.
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, 6:47
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, 14:37
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, 15:40
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, 2:39
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, 3:38
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, 4:44
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, 9:50
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, 8:30
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, 9:50
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, 2:20
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, 11:32
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, 1:07
Opinion
The night the French dream died
The devastation took hold at the final whistle but when the pain recedes, France have a young squad and will throw everything at A…
Gavin Mortimer
17 Oct 2023, 6:14
Opinion
'The French respect South Africa but they don’t admire them the way they do New Zealand'
Little historical enmity exists between Les Bleus and the Springboks, but that won't dampen a phenomenal Rugby World Cup quarter-f…
Gavin Mortimer
11 Oct 2023, 10:24
Opinion
Will the Dupont palaver and limited opposition leave France undercooked for the knockouts?
The injury to the talismanic French captain has distracted France from another absence they’ve experienced: meaningful oppositio…
Gavin Mortimer
03 Oct 2023, 9:15
Opinion
Portugal are a work in progress that must be supported
Os Lobos have impressed with their ambitious play during the tournament and their development must continue
Gavin Mortimer
27 Sep 2023, 10:58
Opinion
After the Dupont calamity, what happens next?
The world's best player faces a race against time to play a part in the World Cup but France have to hold their nerve
Gavin Mortimer
22 Sep 2023, 7:42
Opinion
How France learnt to embrace winning ugly
While England are panned by the critics, France have dialled down their adventurous instincts and their fans have backed them
Gavin Mortimer
20 Sep 2023, 10:57
Opinion
How France fell in love with rugby again
The renaissance of rugby in France has been a long-time coming and Bernard Laporte deserves credit for his vision
Gavin Mortimer
11 Sep 2023, 17:16
