France opened their Autumn Nations Series campaign in commanding form, dishing out a hefty defeat to an ambitious but outclassed Japan side.
France have sent 19 players back to their clubs for the next round of Top 14 action this weekend.
Antoine Dupont has returned to the France XVs squad after missing the first half of 2024 as he focussed on his ultra-successful switch to sevens.
How many minutes do top players actually play? And why can't France take their front-liners to New Zealand?
In resting Antoine Dupont and the rest of his 'premiums', has Fabien Galthie undermined a mouth-watering voyage?
The Olympics has truly dispelled the myth that rugby fans are sceptical about individual superstars. But no one ever really believed that, did they?
Clinical. It's the best way to describe Stade Toulousain's victory over Union Bordeaux Bègles in the Top 14 final, with the now 24-time champions defeating their Bordeaux rivals by 59-03.
Bordeaux-Begles suffered a record 59 - 3 defeat at the hands of Toulouse in Marseille in what was a tough pill to swallow for a side that has been magnificent this season.
Homegrown talent and wise recruitment have taken Bordeaux to the brink of emulating Toulouse's success.
Harlequins rugby director Billy Millard reflected on a proud and emotional occasion after his team reached the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals in dramatic fashion by beating Bordeaux-Begles.