Rugger Girls: Part 22. 2002-2004

2002-2004: THE HERITAGE OF DANIEL DUPOUY

22nd 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.

In April 2002, French manager Daniel Dupouy, in an interview in Le Monde, had been critical of the support women's rugby received.  A few months later, in the same newspaper, he was again stating bluntly "the FFR should say clearly if it cares about girls and what it expected of Les Bleues."

Daniel Dupouy left the post soon afterwards. However, he completed 2002 with a Grand Slam in the first Six Nations, and a third place in the World Cup, after losing in the semi-final against the "Black Ferns" of New Zealand women, the future champions.

Philippe Laurent replaced Daniel Dupouy, and with Benoît Oszustowicz, continuing on lay the foundations for four seasons with the A squad.

The change was smooth and the first tangible sign was the another Grand Slam. On 27 March 2004, in the last game of the tournament, Les Bleues defeated England and won the Six Nation title, undefeated. The crowning game was held in Bresse, in front of 4,000 spectators. The legacy and know-how of Dabiel Dupouy was definitely not lost…

NEXT: THE GREAT GAP

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