As the 2025 Six Nations Tournament approaches, a statistic revealed by Americas Rugby News reminds us of the attachment of the French XV to its local team. With only 6 players out of 42 born abroad in his groupor 14%, France is among the nations that use the fewest players of foreign origin in this prestigious tournament.
A local strategy that pays
In fact, only Émilien Gailleton (England), Priso (Cameroon), Atonio and Meafou (New Zealand), Beria (Georgia) and Brennan (Ireland) were not born in France. Note, however, that almost all of them grew up on French territory. Atonio and Meafou touched their first rugby ball in New Zealand.
We will also remember that Thibaud Flament was born in Paris, but he grew up in Belgium. In fact, no fewer than 39 members of the group of 42 called by Fabien Galthié grew up in France. Against 23/37 for Scotland as an indication.
This figure, well below the average observed among its European neighbors, illustrates a philosophy well anchored among the Blues: banking on the fundamental work of its clubs and its training centers. Compared to England, which only has 3 foreign players out of 36 (8%) this yearFrance nevertheless remains in the same vein by preferring to favor a rich and promising local breeding ground.
We are very far from the 14 foreign-born players present in the Scottish squad. This is not the first year that the XV du Chardon has relied on descendants of Highlanders to strengthen its group. Americas Rugby News recalls in this respect that there were 27 in 2022 and 24 last year. Where France has an average of 4, with the exception of the 2024 edition, where there were 6.
-French training at the forefront
Top 14 and Pro D2 clubs are known for their ability to produce elite players. Each year, training centers produce talents who, for many, quickly wear the blue jersey. And this, in particular in part thanks to the JIFF system which gives more playing time to players trained in France.
With a French XV almost 100% “homegrown”, Fabien Galthié shows that he believes in the future and in continuity. A strategy which, in the short term, also prepares for major events such as the 2027 World Cup. But the current coach, like his predecessors, have never been afraid to give a chance to talents born outside the borders of France.
Among them, many have left their mark on French history like Serge Betsen, Abdelatif Benazzi, Pieter de Villiers or even Virimi Vakatawa and Tony Marsh to name a few. If other nations like Ireland or Italy rely more on naturalized players, France remains faithful to its roots, proving once again that French rugby has nothing to envy in terms of training.
While RugbyPass indicates that 23.72% of players selected for the Tournament were born abroad,The Blues therefore continue their journey by banking on their local gems, ready to shine in the European arena. A strategy that will hopefully spark during this Six Nations 2025 then during the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
