Analysis
Emmanuel Macron hoping for a Grand Slam election bounce
Sport and politics do mix, and sometimes decide elections, which is why Emmanuel Macron is praying for French success in the Six N…
Gavin Mortimer
17 Feb 2022, 2:37
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.
Analysis
Liberte, egalite, vaccine?
New laws state that professional rugby players in France are no longer free to play if they haven't been triple vaccinated
Gavin Mortimer
19 Jan 2022, 3:31
Opinion
Warming the bench for a once-in-a-generation talent
The little-known players toiling in the shadows of giants.
Gavin Mortimer
18 Dec 2021, 2:57
Interview
Josh Brennan adds French accent to rich Irish heritage
The name and the accent are Irish but the heart of rising Toulouse star Josh Brennan belongs to France
Gavin Mortimer
30 Nov 2021, 11:43
Analysis
France v All Blacks: Over the Rainbow?
When French secret service agents sunk Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour in 1985, they fuelled a long rivalry wit…
Gavin Mortimer
18 Nov 2021, 10:11
Opinion
Antoine Dupont: Can Les Bleus' GOAT inspire 2023 glory?
Antoine Dupont is already the greatest player in French rugby history. Can he keep his focus as the spotlight intensifies?
Gavin Mortimer
14 Oct 2021, 3:30
Break down the language barrier
It’s not fair to France that referees speak only English but will World Rugby translate that into action?
Gavin Mortimer
22 Sep 2021, 12:28
Rags to riches
Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has overcome a traumatic upbringing to become rugby's biggest powerbroker
Gavin Mortimer
08 Sep 2021, 12:51
The rise and fall of Toulon
The dynasty built by Mourad Boudjellal has crumbled since he opted out and it is a shadow of its former self
Gavin Mortimer
16 Aug 2021, 5:28
Baby Bleus widen Galthie's 2023 talent pool
France lost a tight series Down Under but there were enough longer-term positives to please coach Fabien Galthié
Gavin Mortimer
20 Jul 2021, 13:47
France's tour of hotel hell
A callow French squad prepare to embark on their grinding voyage to Australia
Gavin Mortimer
24 Jun 2021, 13:07
The empire strikes back
After a decade of decline, Toulouse are on the brink of a new era of European domination.
Gavin Mortimer
20 May 2021, 12:04
Bright Vannes man
Nick Abendanon is a shining example of how overseas players should adapt to life in France
Gavin Mortimer
11 May 2021, 4:14
French renaissance artist
Little-known coach Didier Retière has led the revival in France's fortunes
Gavin Mortimer
18 Mar 2021, 5:28
Singing the Bleus
For all France's development, they will not win the next World Cup without a top-class goal-kicker.
Gavin Mortimer
23 Feb 2021, 11:14
The French evolution
After a decade of turmoil, things are finally looking up for Les Bleus.
Gavin Mortimer
07 Jan 2021, 9:54
Fun and games
Bernard Le Roux has been given a new lease of life by France's youngsters
Gavin Mortimer
06 Dec 2020, 2:56
Love Islanders
Les Bleus are looking to Pacific territories for talent, but will it bring heartbreak for young players in France?
Gavin Mortimer
05 Nov 2020, 12:33
Seeing red
A rash of Top 14 red cards, has seen many French commentators call for more flair and less flare
Gavin Mortimer
14 Oct 2020, 13:12
French education
Gabriel Ibitoye left Harlequins for a new challenge and he's making headlines at Agen
Gavin Mortimer
03 Oct 2020, 4:13
