# France
Yesterday
25th March 2023
# Political Football
'As long as they win, it’s okay. If they start to lose, there will be controversy'
French film-maker Sonia Dauger talks about the true political significance of the French football team, and the myth of the black-blanc-beur team of 98.
Last week
19th March 2023 - 25th March 2023
# Ticking clock
France becomes latest country to ban TikTok from public employee work phones
Several other countries have also started to put restrictions on the use of the app.
# Paris
France protests: Over 450 arrested in one day and King Charles III's visit cancelled amid unrest
More than 1 million people demonstrated across France against the unpopular plan.
# opposition eye
Kenny sends his scouts to Paris as virus-hit Netherlands face France in Ireland's qualifying group
Ireland’s group gets underway tonight.
# Clashes
Violence erupts as thousands protest across France over Macron pension reform
The country’s interior minister said 123 members of the security forces had been injured and at least 80 people arrested.
# Leader
Mbappe named new France captain ahead of Euro qualifier with Ireland
Lloris had been skipper for more than a decade.
# back from a bad back
'I’d love a foot race, see how quick I am' - Returning Omobamidele eager for Mbappe test
Andrew Omobamidele has recovered from a lengthy lay-off, and is hoping he gets the chance to face off against France next Monday.
# no confidence motion
French government narrowly survives no-confidence votes amid anger over pension reform
Emmanuel Macron’s widely disliked campaign pledge to raise the retirement age was passed last week without a vote.
# Raymond Domenech
'We see what happened at the World Cup: it would have been better if Ireland qualified'
Ex-France manager Raymond Domenech speaks to The42 about Zidane’s headbutt, Henry’s handball, and how he might have been Ireland boss instead.
This month
March 2023
# Allez les Bleus
Penaud double helps France beat Wales in Six Nations
A 41-28 win for the home side in Paris.
# France
French police ban pension protests opposite parliament
Emmanuel Macron’s government this week invoked a controversial executive power to force through the bill by decree.
# Protests
Roads blocked and strikes escalated after Macron pushes through pension reform
More than 300 people were arrested following protests overnight.
# France
Police clash with protesters in Paris as Macron forces through pension reform without vote
The move amounted to an admission that the French government lacked a majority to hike the retirement age from 62 to 64.
# Selections
Atonio makes instant return to French team, Wales make six changes
Fabien Galthie and Warren Gatland have named their respective sides for Saturday’s meeting in Paris.
# Absent
Paul Pogba ruled out of Ireland clash with injury
The Juventus midfielder has picked up a muscle injury.
# Strikes
French Senate adopts controversial pension bill despite widespread protests
Emmanuel Macron has refused a request by unions to meet with him over the contentious measure.
# Reality check
Borthwick: France hammering shows how much work England have to do
England fell to their heaviest loss at Twickenham of all time against the magnificent French.
# Hammering
Sensational France hand pitiful England heaviest Six Nations home defeat ever
Les Bleus were simply brilliant in an utterly dominant Six Nations win.
# France
French citizens again protest against Macron’s planned pension age increase
The French president wants to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
# Hammering
Sensational France hand pitiful England heaviest home defeat ever
Les Bleus were simply brilliant in an utterly dominant Six Nations win.
# migrant crossings
French and UK leaders try to overcome Brexit tensions at first high-level summit in five years
Emmanuel Macron and Rishi Sunak met today in Paris to discuss Ukraine and migration.
# Ousted
France women's manager Diacre sacked after player revolt
Captain Wendie Renard announced last month she would no longer play for the team while Diacre remained in charge.
# Selection
Owen Farrell dropped for England's clash with France
Marcus Smith will start at 10 with Steve Borthwick making the bombshell decision to start Farrell on the bench.
# Paris
Notre Dame is reopening to visitors next year, six years after fire destroyed building's roof
The French cathedral’s spire, which collapsed in the blaze, will gradually start reappearing above the monument this year.
# Ligue 1
Mbappe breaks goal record as PSG win ahead of Bayern showdown
Mbappe reached the record in just 247 appearances since signing from Monaco aged 18 in 2017.
# Exit
Farrell set for move to France after Munster confirm release
The 29-year-old stepped back from playing duties in September.
# RIP
World Cup finals record goal-scorer Just Fontaine dies aged 89
The former France player and manager scored 13 goals at the 1958 finals in Sweden.
Last month
February 2023
# Treatment Table
Knee op rules France flanker out, Italy's Capuozzo hit with shoulder injury
The Six Nations resumes on 11 March.
# French connection
Scandal-hit chief quits amidst storm of controversy in French football
Noel Le Graet has resigned following accusations of sexual and psychological harassment.
# Dates For Diary
Ireland to begin 2024 Six Nations with Friday night away trip in France
The fixture details have been released for next year’s tournament.
# record kylian
Mbappe hits landmark goal but French defensive problems grow ahead of Ireland clash
Presnel Kimpembe was stretchered off with an injury that will keep him out of the visit to Dublin next month.
# Allez les Bleus
Ramos grabs 17 points as Scotland's Grand Slam hopes dashed by France
Scotland lost for the first time in the Championship this season after a 33-21 defeat to France.
# Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Student arrested after fatally stabbing teacher in the middle of lesson at French school
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “extremely upset” by the attack.
# Ukraine
France promises to send Kyiv light tanks within a week
French President Emmanuel Macron promised in early January that France would send AMX-10s, after months of hesitation.
# Setback
Six Nations over for Beirne but Sexton, Herring, and Sheehan recovering well
The Munster lock faces up to three months on the sidelines after ankle surgery.
# High praise
'We are behind them' - England coach hails 'phenomenal' Ireland and France
Steve Borthwick was impressed by Saturday’s Six Nations clash.
# next man up
Beirne injury is a blow but Ireland have shown their ability to adapt
Andy Farrell’s squad depth has been tested, with positive results.
# foul play
France prop Atonio cited for his high tackle on Ireland's Herring
Referee Wayne Barnes decided the challenge was a yellow card during the game.
# Italian Job
'Continuity is important' - Farrell warns that Ireland face tough task in Rome
Robbie Henshaw rejoined the Ireland squad last week as his recovery continued.
# Analysis
Bealham's classy touch, Schmidt's classic loop, and Ireland's inspiration
Andy Farrell’s men scored a brilliant try off a goal-line drop-out against France.
