The pioneers of 2005 are still waiting for their successors. 18 years ago, the French rugby 7s team won the first – and to date only – tournament on the world circuit in the history of Les Bleus by winning in Paris, in the former Stade Jean – Bouin.
This Sunday, the opportunity was good for the Blues to put their name on the list in Vancouver, where they were opposed in the final to Argentina. But the men of coach Jérôme Daret, who rely on a generation of young players, lost in a disheveled final (21-33), after having nevertheless led at the start of the second period (21-14) .
This final, the first since 2020, nevertheless confirms the excellent start to the season for the French team, which is third in the world rankings after seven stages (out of 11) behind New Zealand and Argentina. The teammates of Stephen Parez and Jean-Pascal Barraque, who brilliantly beat Australia in the semi-finals (26-12), have already played four semi-finals and are gradually consolidating their status as a team to be reckoned with. .
“Our goal is to win a tournament by the Paris 2024 Games, which is our number one goal,” said Jonathan Laugel. We must continue to gain consistency. »
The next tournament will take place in Hong Kong, the mecca of rugby 7s, from March 31 to April 2. Protected by their seeded status after this final in Vancouver, the Blues have inherited a favorable draw since they will be opposed in their pool to Great Britain, Uruguay and the host country. In 2019, the French led by Gabin Villière had reached the final of this prestigious tournament.
In the women’s tournament, Les Bleues, reigning Olympic vice-champions and bronze medalists of the last World Cup, took fourth place after two defeats in the semi-finals against New Zealand (7-36), then in the small final against the United States (7-19).