France Rugby Shirts

The national rugby union side of France can trace their beginnings back to the late 1800’s, with the introduction of the sport by British merchants to the Le Havre region of the country. During these early days, the French side played their first competitive matches during the 1900 Olympic Games, held in Paris. The side beat of both a British side, winning 27-8, as well as a Germany by some 27-17 to take the gold medal at the games. France played their first test match against New Zealand in Paris on January the first 1906, which lost by a staggering 38-8. The following year the team played their first away test game against England. Another loss ensued, this time by 31 to 13, at the Richmond Athletic Ground in England. Their next match, only 2 days later, was played against the Springboks who scored 13 tries at the French home ground in Paris, eventually winning 55-6.

France’s history within the Five Nations tournament, later the Six Nations with the addition of European team Italy, is vast with a total 16 wins making them the 3rd most successful team in the competition. However in 1932 the blues, as they have come to be known by their fans, were ejected from the cup amidst allegations that the French league had become more professional than amateur, preventing them from competing with the part-timers of the British home nations. As a result of their temporary ban, which lasted until 1947, France found themselves some 30 tournaments behind England whose record at first glance appears to be far better than that of France.

Where to buy France rugby shirts and gear?

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		www.kitbag.co.uk	UK & Europe	Clothes		View Prices
		www.lovellrugby.co.uk	UK & Europe	Full Range		View Prices

The rugby World Cup is an unfulfilled dream for the French national team who despite being present at the tournament every time since its start in 1987 have never won. During the 2007 World Cup, France were named among the favourites for the titles until their shock defeat at the hands of underperforming England by 14-9 in the semi-finals. Similarly to New Zealand, who have also failed to win this covered championship, the pursuit of this title remains a bitter disappointment for their fans.

Team Jersey:

France’s team strip, worn by the side for the 2007/08 season, is made by Nike and is made from 100% dri-fit polyester. The jersey is available in two styles, with the home shirt being mostly white with a blue swish across its front and the home shirt in navy. On the right side of the wearer’s chest is the national emblem of the French rugby side, the rooster, which is to be worn with pride by their loyal following during this year’s Six Nations.

Team Record:

The blues, or Les Bleus in French, do not have a particularly outstanding record with a win rate similar to that of many of the other leading European rugby nations at around 55% and with no World Cup Win or clear dominance in any major tournament you could be excused for doubting France’s chances against many of the sports leading contenders. However, in recent years including the 2007 World Cup. France have shown how far they have come proving themselves a difficult fixture on anyone’s calendar.