Team facts

The national union rugby team of France competes every year in the Six Nations Championship against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. They have championed the competition sixteen times, nine of which were Grand Slams. In the early Summer Olympics, France has won the gold medal in 1900, and two silver medals in the 1920s. Although they were able to compete in the World Cup finals three times, they lost to the All Blacks in 1987 and 2011, and to Australia in 1999. Several star players are credited for leading France to various wins, including Jean Prat, an International Rugby Hall of Fame and International Rugby Board Hall of Fame inductee; Lucien Mias, an IRB Hall of Fame inductee and said to be one of the most influential captains of his country; and Jean-Pierre Rives, an International Rugby Hall of Fame inductee who led France to their first win against the All Blacks in New Zealand.