2025 Women’s Six Nations Team Preview: France

As the 2025 Women’s Six Nations Championship approaches, the France Women’s National Rugby Union team, known as “Les Bleues”, is gearing up for a challenging and impactful tournament.

France has long been a top contender in the Women’s Six Nations, consistently finishing in the top three. In recent years, they have worked tirelessly to close the gap on England, the most successful team in the tournament’s history. With the 2025 championship just around the corner, France is ranked among the top four teams globally, underscoring their continued excellence on the field.

The 2025 Women’s Six Nations will kick off in March, with France playing Ireland at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on the 22nd, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting campaign.

Previous success

Since the tournament’s inception, France has been a formidable force in the Women’s Six Nations, frequently competing for the title. The team made a statement in the early 2000s, with a Grand Slam victory in 2002, winning all their matches in the competition. They repeated this achievement in 2004, further cementing their status as one of the top teams.

Over the years, France has maintained a strong presence, securing another title in 2010 and clinching yet another Grand Slam in 2018. In recent editions, France has consistently finished among the top teams, positioning themselves as genuine contenders year after year.

Current Form

As the championship draws closer, France is focused on refining their game. Their recent performances in the WXV 1 competition in late 2024 offer valuable insights into their current form.

During the WXV 1 tournament held in Canada, France faced a series of tough challenges. In their opening match they suffered a heavy defeat to Canada, with the final scoreline 46-24.

France bounced back in their next match securing a 22-14 victory over the USA. However, they were unable to build on the momentum in their final match as they fell to New Zealand with a 39-14 defeat, highlighting the challenges they still face against the world's top teams.

Stand out players

One player who will undoubtedly be under the spotlight is Romane Ménager.  A backrow forward, Ménager plays a pivotal role in both attack and defence, offering a dynamic presence on the field. Known for her powerful tackles, speed, and physicality, she brings a unique blend of agility and toughness that makes her a key figure for Les Bleues.

Ménager’s performances during the 2024 Women’s Six Nations were nothing short of exceptional. She carried the ball more than any of her teammates, gaining valuable meters and demonstrating her importance to France’s success.

Her outstanding displays earned her a nomination for the Six Nations Player of the Championship, and the Six Nations Team of the Championship. With her impressive form in previous tournaments, anticipation is high for her continued impact in the 2025 edition.

Manaé Feleu has quickly emerged as a key figure for France. Appointed captain by coaches Gäelle Mignot and David Ortiz, Feleu made her Test debut as a replacement against England in 2020. She became a regular in the second row during the 2023 Six Nations, earning just nine caps and four starts when the coaching duo entrusted her with leadership.

Feleu was part of the French side that suffered a narrow defeat to England at Twickenham in front of a then-record crowd of 58,498. With her rapid rise and growing influence, could this tournament see Feleu lead France to new records and potential success?

Fans can catch the action live

France’s first game of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, where they will face Ireland, promises to be an exciting start to the championship. The match will be available to watch live on BBC for fans across the UK, ensuring that supporters can catch the action from home. For those wanting to experience the atmosphere in person, tickets for the game are still available, offering a chance to witness top-tier women’s rugby live.