The France Rugby Sevens Olympics Squads were unveiled today, with no major surprises announced. Both the Men’s and Women’s coaching directors have opted for the core teams’ that have represented their country well in the HSBC Sevens Series.
The 24 Men and Women selected carry the hopes of the tricolors to the 2016 Rio Olympics. They will hope to carry on a fine history of achievement at the modern Olympics for France. In 2016 rugby Sevens is making it’s return. France was one of the teams that competed at the 1924 games, they claimed Silver behind the United States. Now; with rugby making a return after a lapse of 92 years, it will be this nations opportunity to claim gold by either the men, women or with luck, Both!
Terry Bouhraoua and Fanny Horta will again lead their respective sides. Proven leaders, the most notable name listed is Virimi Vakatawa. Their standout men’s player, he has represented France in both versions of the game. After being named, Vakatawa becomes that countries first Fijian-born Olympian, and is also their ‘main weapon’ in Rio.
Thank you LORD for your everlasting blessing ever since the day I was born.I lift your name up… https://t.co/BKjJfIhCj7
— Virimi Vakatawa (@vvakatawa) July 13, 2016
France Rugby Sevens Olympics Squads Unveiled
Frederic Pomarel, the Men’s team head coach has stuck with the team that has developed over the last three years. That includes Julien Candelon, Damian Cler, Steve Barry and captain Bouhraoua. That existing group will hope to build on their continuity, with Vakatawa as the prime weapon of the team.
”We went through hard times together because preparation always provides difficult times. But when things get tough,we will remember this to deal with it and fight until the end” Pomarel on worldrugby.org
The French men are in Pool B with Commonwealth Games Sevens champions South Africa. Included in this pool is the tournament ‘dark horse’ Australia and World Rugby repechage qualifier winner Spain. The Men’s competition runs from the 9-11 August at the Deodoro Stadium,
”The announcement of any squad is never easy because there are always some disappointed guys” admitted Bouhraoua. ”But what the selection finally does is draw the line in the sand. Now, more than ever, we must show solidarity and determination. Be as precise as we can in everything we do so we make the most of this privilege. Also, the historical position of being the very first to represent France in rugby sevens in the Olympic Games”
Firepower from out-wide to upfront
Les Bleus have their ‘go-to-man’ in Vakatawa (pictured) who with Candelon on the wing will strike hard out-wide. The french have the goods to attack using Cler and Lakafia on the flanks, with Bouhraoua and Barry dictating play in the middle. Valleau is the master of finishing while Manoel Dall Igna, Jonathan Laugel use raw power at the breakdown, to compete with vigor. Jeremy Aicardi and Vincent Inigo coming off the bench will bring spontaneity, depending on the opposition and the approach by Pomarel.
Unlucky not to make the cut was Arthur Bonneval.
France Men’s Squad: Pool B
Terry Bouhraoua Damian Cler, Sacha Valleau, Virimi Vakatawa, Steve Barry, Stephen Parez, Julien Candelon, Pierre-Gilles Lakafia, Manoel Dall Igna, Jonathan Laugel, Jeremy Aicardi, Vincent Inigo.
Reserves: Jean Baptise Mazoue and Sofiane Guitone.
French Women Optimistic on Road to Rio
The French women have come so near, yet so far during the course of the 2015/2016 Sevens Series. And while they may have defeated some of the top teams in the past, passing that final hurdle has always evaded them. Who knows….competing at the pinnacle of all sport could change that trend?
The Les Bleus are in Pool B beside the tough New Zealand ‘sisters’. They will face the high achieving Spanish and relatively unknown Kenyan sides. In this, they will take each game as it comes to them. Their ‘captain fantastic’ Fanny Horta leads from the front and will be well supported with some of the finest players in women’s rugby sevens. In Shannon Izar, Majorie Mayans, Caroline Ladagnous, they have talent abound plus their most improving player Camille Grassineau.
Mayans is the one to watch at the breakdown. She is very strong on her feet and will remind you men’s XV ex-captain Thierry Dusautoir at time. Add to that their speed on the flanks, with the height to compete with the likes of New Zealand captain Sarah Goss in the air, Izar and Ladagnous are elusive runners, with Grassineau the pure finisher. Jade Le Pesq and Elodie Guiglion provide the spark in the middle, to compliment the braun and bruising tackling of the tricolor.
While it’s good to see that Jessy Tremellouire and Christelle Le Duff are still part of the squad, they will miss the spark that Chloe Pelle and Amdee Montserratt bring–who both missed the cut.
Special moment for French women
”This is a very special moment,” admitted Horta. ”Now we need to look forward, digest as fast as possible the emotions and continue our work. Not to move away from our objective from all those who going to stay. It is now we must think of the group more than of the rest (who missed out). These moments force us to get to know each other even more and can only make us grow”
#France7Féminines @fannyhorta: «Maintenant, il faut regarder devant!»
A lire: https://t.co/WZW1tJKgxb pic.twitter.com/eeCGWcBzcm— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) July 13, 2016
As well, no rugby fan can ignore the turmoil and heartache felt by the French people. Their nationalistic pride is recognized worldwide–just listen to their national anthem. After the tragedies, the motivation to unite the people of France will be strong. How the two squads harness that sentiment will be up to each side. It could be a strong factor to promote team culture…or to be a distraction.
France Women’s Squad: Pool B
Audrey Amiel, Pauline Biscarat, Camille Grassineau, Lina Guerin, Elodie Guiglion, Fanny Horta (c), Shannon Izar, Rose Thomas, Jennifer Trony, Majorie Mayans, Caroline Ladagnous, Jade Le Pesq
Reserves: Jessy Tremelloire and Christelle le Duff
“Main photo credit”
