Rugby: the French women’s XV begins a difficult tour of Canada with two captains in charge

This tour doesn’t make much noise. But it is no less important for the Blues of rugby, one year before the World Cup in England (August 22 – September 27, 2025). The French Women’s XV has been in Canada for 10 days, for a series of three test matches as part of the Women’s XV international competition. First shock this Sunday evening (at 12:45 a.m. French time), in Vancouver against the formidable Canadians, 3rd nation in the world.

The Blues, who launched their season with a failed first test match on September 7 in England (38-19 defeat), will come up against a nation which remains on 5 victories in the last 6 matches, and which beat them there. a year ago during the last WXV. “Canada is the favorite. We expect a match quite similar to the one against England, in continuity,” estimates David Ortiz, selector-coach of the French XV with Gaëlle Mignot.

“Canadians are in an ultra-positive dynamic”

“The Canadians have 6 Olympic vice-champion players (in rugby sevens), they are in an ultra-positive dynamic,” continues Gaëlle Mignot. It will be a very committed, very complicated match, against one of the best teams in the world with England.”

And Séraphine Okemba, crowned best French international of the year on Monday at Rugby Night, will be on the bench and will continue her adaptation between the 7th and the XV. “She discovered the third line position,” explains David Ortiz. She came to the XV to bring her determination and all her physical qualities. We are very satisfied with what she produces during the sessions. »

“Manae and Marine are complementary”

The French women’s XV will be led, and this is something new, by two co-captains. The second line Manae Feleu, who had been there for a year, now shares his function with the three-quarter Marine Ménager. “Not at all a disavowal for Manae,” assures David Ortiz. Quite the contrary. They will be stronger together. They have a close relationship, a joint work that we observed at the last Six Nations Tournament where Marine was vice-captain. »

“This choice came quite naturally,” adds Gaëlle Mignot. It’s an asset. One plays in front, the other behind, they can take turns, they are very complementary. It was a great opportunity. They have the same status, are at the same level. We told the referees that we have two captains who can talk to them. It’s a common thing, the Black Ferns do it too. »

The Blues will also play the New Zealanders, reigning world champions whom they beat last year, at the end of the WXV on October 13 in this same Vancouver stadium. A week before, on October 5, the XV of France will have faced the United States, a more affordable opponent. But it is the entry against the Canadians which will be the most plentiful.