Rugby in France had a humble yet significant beginning, following in the footsteps of its English neighbor. The first organized matches between clubs and local teams in France laid the groundwork for the sport’s popularity in the country and marked the start of a rich tradition that would expand internationally. Below is an exploration of some of the first documented rugby matches in France, highlighting the pioneering clubs and early milestones.
Racing Club de France vs. English Students
Date: March 26, 1872
Details: This historic match is considered one of the first rugby games on French soil. Organized in Paris, it featured the Racing Club de France, a newly formed club, against a team of English students residing in the French capital. This encounter marked the beginning of organized rugby in France and reflected the direct influence of the English sport.
Stade Français vs. Racing Club de France
Date: January 20, 1883
Details: Stade Français, one of France’s oldest clubs, played against the Racing Club de France. This match not only established one of the most significant rivalries in the early history of French rugby but also fostered the sport’s growth in the Paris region.
First School Tournament in France
Date: April 1877
Details: Schools in Paris and its surroundings began organizing friendly matches inspired by English school traditions. This tournament included teams formed by young French and British students, marking the beginning of youth rugby in France.
French Athletic Association vs. Stade Français
Date: December 25, 1880
Details: On Christmas Day in 1880, the French Athletic Association (Association Athlétique Française), a multi-sport club, faced Stade Français. This match was significant for demonstrating the growing interest in rugby beyond exclusively English circles.
French Universities in Competition
Date: 1878 (exact day unspecified)
Details: Inspired by the Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge, French universities such as La Sorbonne and the École Polytechnique began organizing rugby matches, laying the foundation for university-level rugby in France.