New Era for French Women's Rugby as François Ratier Leads Team to Convincing Six Nations Win

The French women's rugby team began their 2026 Six Nations campaign with a commanding 40-7 victory over Italy, marking a successful debut for their new head coach, François Ratier. Taking the reins from the former coaching duo of David Ortiz and Gaëlle Mignot, Ratier implemented a fresh, more liberated style of play that energized the squad and allowed for greater expression on the field.

The match started cautiously, with France holding a slim 5-0 lead at halftime amid a tense and technically imperfect first half, as Ratier himself acknowledged. However, after adjustments during the break focused on building confidence and trusting the process rather than demanding perfection, the team dominated the second half. They showcased a diverse offensive strategy featuring wing tries and highly effective mauls.

Six new players made their debut, reflecting Ratier's strategic shift towards incorporating youth and rewarding performance over experience — a move that proved effective as these newcomers contributed significantly. Assia Khalfaoui, named player of the match, praised the clarity of Ratier's instructions and the positive change in team management.

Despite the uplifting result, the match was overshadowed by an injury to key player Joanna Grisez, who was stretchered off after 48 minutes due to a suspected ligament injury, potentially impacting future team selections.

Reflecting on the win, Ratier stated, “If you talk about winning with a bonus, yes. The last 40 minutes were better. The first half was expected, but I’ve seen worse first halves. What interests me now is how to play the full 80 minutes. But the project is launched.” He emphasized that patience and continued adaptation would be crucial as the team evolves under his leadership.

Overall, France demonstrated a significant evolution in both strategy and performance, promising an exciting new chapter for the Bleues' women's rugby team in the international arena.