Biography
Born on 4 November 1995 in Limoges, Pauline Bourdon Sansus has become one of the brightest stars in French women’s rugby. Standing 1.65m tall, she’s not the biggest player on the pitch—but she’s one of the most influential. A magician at scrum-half with the vision, pace, and precision that make France’s attack sing, Bourdon Sansus has built a reputation for clutch performances and unrelenting passion.
She discovered rugby at just four years old at Limoges’ Beaublanc stadium, and by five had already traded football boots for rugby studs. Her early days at Capo Limoges Omnisports and later USA Limoges laid the foundation for her fearless, fast-moving style of play. From local pitches to international arenas, she’s shown that creativity and determination can change the rhythm of a game—and of a national team.
Teams Played For
- Capo Limoges Omnisports
- USA Limoges
- AS Bayonne (2013–2021)
- Stade Toulousain / Toulouse (2021–present)
- France Women’s National Rugby Team (2015–present)
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2021 Rugby World Cup (played in 2022, New Zealand) – Scored in the bronze medal match vs Canada as France claimed third place.
- 2025 Rugby World Cup (England) – Scored in pool matches against Brazil and South Africa, earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards.
Key Career Moments
Bourdon Sansus’ rise to the French national team was rapid. After only two senior seasons, she made her international debut in 2015, just after her 20th birthday, in a win over England. From there, her story became one of consistency, versatility, and class.
In 2016, she helped France beat England 17–12 to win the Six Nations Championship. Two years later, in 2018, she orchestrated France’s Grand Slam victory, claiming two Player of the Match awards and dazzling fans with her kicking and passing precision. Her performances earned her a World Rugby Player of the Year nomination, a testament to her influence on the global stage.
She was again a standout in the 2019 Six Nations, scoring three tries and five conversions to finish as one of the tournament’s top point scorers. Despite injuries, she stormed back for the 2023 Six Nations, scoring twice against Ireland and earning another Player of the Match nod. Her dominance continued into the WXV 1 tournament, where she was again named to the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year—both in 2023 and 2024.
In 2025, she added yet another chapter—slotting a 35-metre drop goal against Scotland in La Rochelle to turn a tight match in France’s favor.
Personal Life
Pauline’s personal journey is as inspiring as her rugby one. In 2021, she and fellow international scrum-half Laure Sansus announced their engagement—a unique story given they once competed for the same position on the French team. They married in August 2023, and in July 2025, Laure gave birth to their son, Arthur.
Beyond rugby, Pauline has been a voice for inclusion. She appeared in the 2024 short film Notre Diversité, Notre Force (“Our Diversity, Our Strength”), which celebrated LGBTQ+ visibility in rugby.
Her accolades include the Olympic Midi Oscars Best French Player (2019) and Best French International at Rugby Night 2019—fitting honors for a player who embodies French rugby’s heart and soul.