Rugger Girls: Part 12: France's greatest player makes her debut

1980s: FRANCE'S GREATEST PLAYER?

Twelfth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby in France, from the book "Rugger Girls"("Des Filles en Ovalie"), written by Jacques B. Corti and Yaneth Pinilla Foreword by Serge Betsen. Published weekly(ish) by French women's rugby blog Des Filles en Ovalie.

The reputation of some players begins to grow. Although they were not yet any "stars", many players had become representatives for their clubs. Sylvie Girard, Corinne Marbleu, Andree Forest (who in 1986 had achieved 20 years of active rugby!) all develop a minor local celebrity. The twins Nicole and Monique Fraysse also become key parts of Toulouse's growing domination at club level.

However, it was also the time when a whole new generation of players appears. In 1986 there emerged a girl considered, even today, as the best French player of all time - and one of the world's best. The "very charismatic," Nathalie Amiel.

She first played in 1982 at a rugby school, but in 1984 found herself unable to continue playing - at 15 nothing was available. But in this case someone ensured that all the doors were not closed. Former International, ex-captain of AS Béziers, and past coach of Perpignan and Clermont-Ferrand, Olivier Saïsset, found her somewhere to develop her game.

In 1986, at the age of 16, she was selected to play for France. It was against Great Britain and she had to seek a waiver to play with adults. It was the beginning of a great career.

Extract from the book "Des Filles en Ovalie", Editions Atlantica (2005), Written by Jacques Corte / Yaneth Pinilla B. Foreword by Serge Betsen.