New boss, new cycle, same ambitions. This Saturday, the French women's rugby team opens the 2026 Six Nations Tournament at the Stade des Alpes. After a 2025 World Cup campaign that ended just outside the top three, Les Bleues are embarking on a major rebuild under the leadership of François Ratier, with a clear objective: to reclaim their former glory.

A breath of fresh air for the group

Succeeding the Mignot-Ortiz duo last November, François Ratier wasted no time in making his mark. The coach, who led Canada to the world final in 2014, is banking on a bold mix of experience and youth:

1. Three newcomers starting: Mathilde Lazarko (hooker), Anaïs Grando (wing) and Pauline Barrat (fullback) will celebrate their first cap.
2. Repositioned players: Captain Manae Feleu moves to the back row to strengthen the pack, while finisher Joanna Grisez is tested at centre to bring her explosiveness to the heart of the game.
3. A solid spine: The Bourdon-Sansus/Arbez duo at half-back and the power of Madoussou Fall-Raclot in the second row ensure the necessary continuity.

"The goal is to win the Tournament. Looking too far ahead is a recipe for disaster, but we want to set our own pace right now." — François Ratier

The strategy: "Punch" and conquest

To counter an increasingly competitive Italian team, the French coaching staff opted for a "6-2" bench (six forwards to two backs). The message is clear: Les Bleues want to crush their opponents up front.

The idea is to capitalize on total physical dominance in the scrum and rucks to then release quality ball for the center and wingers. While statistics favor France (9 wins in their last 10 matches against the Azzurri ), caution is still advised against an Italian side well-versed in the challenges of the French Elite 1.

The focus: The Bordeaux "final"

While the team is reluctant to rush things, the prospect of May 17th is already bright in their minds. On that day, France will host England at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux.

Facing a Red Roses side undefeated in 17 matches against them and crowned world champions last year, the French women hope that this new system will have found its rhythm. This first test in Grenoble is therefore much more than an opening match: it is the first act in a quest for global legitimacy.

The program for the first day:

1. France – Italy (1:25 PM, Grenoble)
2. England – Ireland (Twickenham)
3. Wales – Scotland (Cardiff)