29 years later a piece of rugby history is unearthed (and improved)

This team, representing France, is lined up before the start of the first ever women's rugby international, which took place in Utrecht, Netherlands 29 years ago, on 13th June 1982 (France beat Netherlands 4-0 - a try was only worth 4 points in 1982).

Nadine Leterre (56 today) played in the game - but also organised much of the French end of the event She remembers that  "when we set up the first women's team from France, I was secretary of my club. I had proposed that we set up an international team but I was told it was a bit complicated. Even though I was as a player I had to do lots of administration. I suggested that, in our league matches, each coaches identify the best players, by position. We then watched the girls chosen, and organized regional games - the country was split into four regions for trial matches".

Jacky Leterre (60 today) also remembered 29 years ago: "I coached the first French team. It was hectic. We held two trial games. The south west regions played at St. Aubin played on May 9, 1982, and the others at Romagnat on May 23, 1982. From that 22 girls were selected for the first international match which was played June 13 in Utrecht. Claude Izoard and myself were coaches, Wanda Noury ​was team manager and Victor Noury ​​trainer. The trip was a little difficult because all the girls had to pay for everything. We arrived the day before the match and we all had to pay for the hotel."

A celebration of the 30th anniversary is proposed for next year.

The team was...

Catherine GUILLON (Chilly-Mazarin), Macha DEGEITERE (Tulle), Annick JAMBON (Bourg en Bresse), Sylvie GIRARD (Bourg en B), Andrée FORESTIER (Bourg en B), Sylvia BENASSAYAG (Toulouse), Véronique CHAMPEIL (Tulle), Corinne MARBLEU (La Teste),Maryse POMATHIOT (Bourg en B), Sylvie DUCLOS (Toulouse), Claude IZOARD (Trainer) (Bourg en Bresse), Pascale CHAMPEIL (Tulle), Marie-Laure BIEZERAY (La Teste), Claude Guy M. (Tournus), Nicole FRAYSSE (Toulouse), Monique FRAYSSE (Capitaine, Toulouse), Judith BENASSAYAG (Toulouse), Odette DESPRAT (Bourg en B), Isabelle DECAMP (Toulouse), Sylvie BARRIERE (La Teste), Régine PACAUD (Bourg en B), Viviane BERODIER (Bourg en B), Marie Paule GRACIEUX (La Teste)

In addition to the players, in the top left: Henri Fléchon (President of the AFRF) top right: Emilienne Carsalade (CEO) and Victor Noury ​​(trainer)