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)

Rugger Girls: Part 24. The final chapter

2000s: VIVIAN AND NATHALIE

24th and final 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.

After going back to Bourg in 2001 to lead the Violets, Viviane Berodia also encountered a new game. She worked for the Post Office as well as being a first division coach. This could be a good combination, and consistent with the history of generosity and altruism that had typified women's rugby. But times change.

She said by the time she left she was facing  problems which involved envy, jealousy over the outcome of trials and failure to achieve international selection, and a lack of passion. "Honestly, I do not blame the effort that was being put in. But when the players are put into good conditions, they are spoiled. Its the same as the boys: they want more but do not invest more. "

As it was not so long ago in rugby male, the shadow of "shamateurism" began to revolve around the women's rugby today. Clubs [in 2006] were increasingly going all-out to recruit with offers of jobs and apartments.

"We will have a championship first division where there will be two or three clubs of a very high level against others who will not be able to compete in either means or as a game" is a concern we begin to hear. Elite coaches had already entered in this phase. Some were already being paid.

Despite the uncertainties in the background, Nathalie Amiel who had played throughout the period we have studied, was more positive. One again there was the question of commitment. "I realized that if I wanted to help women's rugby," she said, "I had to get my Brevets d’Etat (national coaching diploma)." In 2002 she ended her playing career in 2003 and passed  her diploma with distinction. After this she began to train at Saint-Orens. "It's not for the FFR that I did all this. It was for girls. To give back what I experienced. When I get tired, I can shut the door, knowing that I owe nothing to anyone", said the iconic character who can not help thinking aloud about relations between the FFR and women's rugby:

"Does it really interest them? "

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

"The English? They are robots."

The author of one of the few histories of women's rugby ever written - Des Filles en Ovalie - has been in touch. Its the book we've has been serialising here, but instead of complaining he has sent a free copy! It is in French, obviously (in fact no history of women's rugby has ever been published in English!), but thanks to its well ordered layout, Google Translate, and some exceedingly basic and barely remembered French language skills, its quite possible to get the gist of the book.

Most of the actual history the book covers has already appeared on here (see below), but there are also some amusing - and even probably quite controversial - bits later in the book, where it reviews in some detail the state of French women's rugby at the time it appeared (2006).

For English readers the best bit comes on p126 where the author, in a very relaxed chat with several senior French team officials, gets onto the subject of doping and the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. This, of course, never happens in France we are assured - but elsewhere?

Remy Louis, at that time the French physio, had some real suspicions. "For two years [around 2003-2005] the French team has worked really hard with targets and preparations at a high level and yet over the same period the English have changed a lot physically. There must be some chemistry involved here."

Team doctor, Nicole Darrieutort, replies "The English women? The are robots" before going onto say how he warns his players about the dangers of drugs.

However, the best bit comes next when French team coach Philippe Laurent sums up what is wrong with his team's biggest rivals - "Nous, en fait du rugby feminin pour filles et les Anglais font du rugby masculine pour filles!" Or, roughly, "Here, we have women's rugby for women and the English have men's rugby for women!"

I'll leave it for you to decide - regardless of what was intended - whether we should take that as a complement or not!

Rugger Girls: Part 23: A gap in the game grows

2000s: THE GAP BETWEEN THE NATIONAL TEAM AND CLUBS GROWS

23rd 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 France team was now definitely on an upward trend. Despite the small setbacks, especially the loss, after the 2002 World Cup of key players like Nathalie Amiel, Annick Hayraut or Delphine Roussel, Les Bleues continue to renew themselves and to grow. The showcase of women's rugby is now a solid and reliable.

Behind, it is still a mess. The clubs have recurring problems: finance and staffing. The dominant impression is that everyone works alone in their own corner. Another development that is not necessarily accepted very well: the needs of the French team set the pace for the development of women's rugby.

Bernard Delfour, who started with Gennevilliers in 1984, lived through all the recent twists and noticed that there are few written records. Especially in communication: "We learned most news unofficially, before the papers that came to the clubs. "

The quality of communication between the clubs and the French team was in decline. "With Marie-Céline Bernard there was a lot of dialogue with the club coaches. Daniel Dupont, too. Since 2002 we felt a cut. Nothing was known. Some girls announce they are training, some not, and we do not hear about trials. "

These changes contribute to a feeling of nostalgia or regret among some in the game. Claude Izoard, vice president of Violettes Bressanes, linked the changes to his feelings: "I feel that the old values have been lost. People are less supportive. One has the feeling that girls are much more individualistic, just say that they are rugby."

NEXT: VIVIANE AND NATHALIE

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

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.

Rugger Girls: Parts 20 & 21

With all the excitement elsewhere I missed last weeks episode. So here is a bumper two issue number!

1998-2002: THE OBJECTIVE IS QUALITY

20th and 21st chapters 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.

1997 marked the arrival at the head of the national team of Daniel Dupont, replacing Jacques Macou. To begin with he oversaw two training courses - a three- get together around All Saints (early November), and two days at Christmas. Then he saw his first game. It was at Villeneuve d'Ascq, against England winning 13-5. His observation: "Things cannot go on like this."

He sought solutions to the many relationship problems between  the women and the FFR and attempted to develop a better structure for the French team. He began by expanding the staff with a physiotherapist, and imposing a cocktail made of high quality, passion and technique.

Two games, different in their outcomes, contributed to the overall development which is then embedded in the France team. On the occasion of the Third World Cup, the French were taken to the wire by an inexperienced Australian team in the quarter-finals 10-8, before falling to Canada - again by a tiny margin - to score in the 89th minute.

Dupont combined sporting knowledge with inter-personal relations, and his work was a major milestone for the national squad.

Daniel Dupont continues to work to negotiate and calm tensions. He pushed forward work to develop a women's international calendar. In 1998 the I|RB officially recognizes the World Cup, and it was decided that a FIRA European Championship would be held every year except the years of World Cup. Finally the Six Nations began in 1999.

The new century began with a thunderbolt positive. Daniel Dupont developed a game plan for the team to France for the period 1999-2002 - and The Ministry of Youth and Sports recognition, dated January 24, said that women's rugby is a top-level sport and national appearances should be rewarded with Caps.

But before these two elements can begin to affect in the life of women's rugby, there are still problems to resolve. In March 2000 a warning shot shakes the Fremch team. "Enough is enough, otherwise we will not continue" , threaten some girls. Deep personal disagreements, endless stories, risked derailing movemengts towards normalcy and improved development.

Daniel Dupont added Benedict Oszustowicz to form a France A squad - and the stated objective of the two technicians is to win the 2002 World Cup. They establish among other things, video analysis. "It was a big change so we combined with a written document."

Daniel was also far from quiet in other area. On 7th April he was interviewed in Le Monde. He announced his plans and spoke about the positive work taking place in most clubs. But he also empty his feelings makes waves: "We have to spend so much time convincing everyone, particularly within the Federation. And it is wearing." He also says that he and the girls distressed about constantly having to justify why they exist: "We cannot achieve perfection, if no-one will make a case for us."

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

Rugger Girls: Part 19. Progress at last...

1995: THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO THE FFR

Nineteenth 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.

Wanda Noury, first woman on the FFR in 1995, remained
French team manager until 2008

1995 was a significant year in another area - one of politics. In the elections to the Federation, Wanda Noury was elected to the Steering Committee of the FFR -  the first woman to receive this status.

In truth the Ministry of Youth and Sports played its part in this small palace coup. It was necessary, according to its papers, for a woman to support the activity of the women within the Federation. Wanda Noury therefore took on the responsibility of the Women's Commission. Why her? "I was known by those at the centre of the rugby, they thought it should be me,"she says.

The arrival of a woman to the Steering Committee of the FFR was certainly a significant step forward in the long journey of the women's rugby, and was the initiator of new changes.

One of them concerned the organization of the Championship. "It changed constantly because everything depends on the teams. At one time there were 20 teams, which made one division, then there were 35 teams and you could make a second division, after it is rose to 40 and the third division was established. The system of the three divisions are about since 2001."

Let's stay in 1995. Wanda Noury, becomes, as part of the process, manager of the French team. This is the beginning of a very rich career in the FFR.

But, while a step forward, the arrival of a woman to the Steering Committee, did not solve not all the problems. This time it was Marie-Céline Bernard thought her future was threatened. "I learned in the press that someone else taken my place. Perhaps they (FFR) felt that I had probably gone on long enough?" Jacquelines Bonnieu-Devaluez took her place as the head of the French team, to work with Jacques Macou, who had been in position since 1993.

Instead Marie-Céline Bernard in 1995 was entrusted with a new mission: the organization of the Championship of France for the Southeast region. She also participated in the implementation of the inter-regional selections to find girls able to play for France or France A. After the next elections, in 1999, this activity would be entrusted to Nicole Mas.

TO FOLLOW... 1990s: THE OBJECTIVE IS QUALITY

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

Rugger Girls: Part 18 - The first FIRA European Championship

1990s: THE FIRST FIRA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Eighteenth 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.

France's twenty player squad prepares for the first FIRA
European Championship 

The start of 1995 saw a new assistant coach technician at Tournus - Jacques Macou. Beyond personnel changes, this was a period of poor central management, with the girls having to make things up as they went along.  The effect on the French team was to wear down the enthusiasm of players. It was now five years since women had joined the Federation and fundamental improvements were not obvious to the game's leaders of the time.

The second European Championship - the first held since the women joined the FFR - took place in Treviso in 1995, and illustrates this lack of interest by federal authorities in, amongst others, the French team. "We knew that the European tournament would be held in Italy, but no information came from the Federation", recalls Bernard Marie-Céline. "Then, only three weeks before the competition, the FFR asked me to put together a team. I spent several days on the phone finding girls who were available. In the end I could not find 22 players so we went with 20."

So, between 12 and April 16, what was called the "First FIRA Women's European Championship" was played, a tournament that is now annual. The French finished second behind Spain's women*, who won the final 22-6. The following year the French took their revenge, winning the title in Madrid, beating the Spanish 15 to 10.

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

*Netherlands and Italy also took part in 1995. In 1996 the four teams were joined by Germany - Russia also entered, but withdrew at the last moment, resulting in a rather chaotic tournament!

Rugger Girls: Part 17 - The 1991 World Cup

The 1991 French World Cup team were told they were
"not eligible to wear the Rooster"

1990s: THE FIRST WORLD CUP

Seventeenth 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 1991 France took part in the first World Cup. From April 6 to 14, 12 teams competed in Wales: Canada, Spain, USA, England, Holland, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Britain, USSR and Sweden. Les Bleues finished third behind England and the United States, who won the title.

The French team had yet to find its proper place within the FFR. For this World Cup - the first global event of the women's rugby - Marie-Céline Bernard had written to Albert Ferrasse for permission to participate. Despite this even the little details suggest that nothing was done to support the girls: on their singlets they were told that they were not yet eligible to wear the rooster, so a simple blue, white and red patch had to make do.

This lack of true support for girls was a continuation of what had been experienced since federalization.

Nathalie Amiel still finds it funny to remember the first international match under the FFR, in 1990. "It was pretty incredible", she said. "Marc Gosse [the FFR appointed coach], was accustomed to big hotels. But with girls there was no budget for it. For our first match in April 1990, the French players and officials stayed in a hostel. The girls, we slept in one room, and officials on the floor in a large room where there was the fireplace. Nothing had been organised to eat. We would have had to leave for the game after a bowl of soup and a boiled egg, but fortunately someone from Gennevilliers [SW Paris] got us some pizzas. We still won.* "

In 1994, three years after the first, the second World Cup was organized (since then, it has taken place every four years). The competition took place in Scotland and this time Marie-Céline Bernard teamed up with Gerard Ricq, who joined the French team in 1992. France finished third again.

NEXT WEEK: THE FIRST FIRA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

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

*France only played one international in 1990 - beating Netherlands 10-0 away - so the hostel and pizza restaurant would probably have been somewhere in Amsterdam! 

Rugger Girls: Part 16. Transition

1990: TRANSITION? WHAT TRANSITION?

Sixteenth 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 transition, from AFRF to FFR, turned to confusion. The recognition of women's rugby by the FFR has not fulfilled the expectations of the AFRF, the championship clubs, or the French national team. See what happened for the Championship. For the first two years, the FFR has left the clubs to continue as they had with the AFRF. "After that, they asked us to return to the operation of sports, administrative and medical commissions".

Despite the liaison work carried out by Nadine Leterre, "regional committees of the FFR did not know what to do. This situation lasted 3 or 4 years before matters improved," remembers Marie-Céline Bernard, who adds: "the clubs did not know who to write to ask for help. This very quickly became a problem."

At this time the International Confederation of Women's Rugby came into the fold of the FIRA.

In 1991 and 1992, the French Cup was cancelled. Only French A and B Group Championships were retained. And the national French team was not sheltered from the turmoil sweeping women's rugby.

From the 1991 international season, Marc Gosse called Jean-Pierre Puidebois and Marie-Céline Bernard to lead the French team. Their predecessors only learnt these appointments from the press. Marie-Céline Bernard also recalls this episode: "I received a letter informing me that I was appointed". She was the only woman the Federation informed.

1990s: THE FIRST WORLD CUP

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

Rugger Girls: Part 15. Take-over.

1980s: THE CASE OF THE ARCHIVES

Fifteenth 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.

As the Presidency of the AFRF was in Tulle, the FFR mandated Marc Gosse, then Chairman of the Limousin, and Vice President of the FFR to complete the integration process. "My role was to transfer all of the assets of their association to the FFR", he says today. "It was a difficult year. I had get through it all".

Marc Gosse had to work with Nadine Leterre, as well as Tulliste, Deputy Secretary of the AFRF, to succeed. The latter is today sparing with his comments on this episode. Fifteen years later, he sums it up in a sentence: "It can be better to be in a small home on your own than a great house with many others."

Claude Izoard's summary is equally terse, but equally clear: "In 1990 the FFR threw us out. AFRF's leaders were not invited to join."

If it was possible to guess what effect this transition might have on this small house, another aspect is more unexpected. Viviane Bérodier provided a first element: "As Secretary of the FFRF I took a weekend bringing all the archives available to Brive". Second element. The Declaration of Marc Gosse: "Nothing was given. I did not see anything. Zilch."

Since there were now no archives to deal with, they could at least conclude with the merger itself.

Marc Gosse summarizes his feelings at the end: "I had great difficulty with this process. There were many problems. Men occupied all the seats on the FFR. It implemented a national championship. It appointed technical staff." And Nadine Leterre: "They put their people in the positions."

The first consequence, according to Marie-Céline Bernard: "The FFR appointed people who did not know the women's game many levels of contacts were lost. Some of us were retained. But in general we were drowned, isolated. Nobody knew where to go."

Claude Izoard today takes a nostalgic view of this: "We led the fight to get the girls back into the FFR, even if everyone in the Fed did not always agree. Then they put their structure."

During this disruptive period, René Layral, Chairman of Lyonnais, became President of the National Women's Committee.

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

NEXT: 1990s: TRANSITION? WHAT TRANSITION?

Rugger Girls: Part 14. Merger.

1980s: THE GREAT CHANGE

Fourteenth 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 FFRF became the victim of its own success. The projects were flourishing. Ambitions too. But financial realities were less exciting.

Among the big ideas, on October 8, 1988, they created the "International Confederation of Women's Rugby", (CIRF), with Nadine Leterre took the chair. The goal was to organize the schedule and develop relationships. "The fact that we started working on the Confederation really made ​​a difference in the FFR," recalls Nadine Leterre.

Then it happened. Albert Ferrasse accepted the integration of women's rugby in the FFR.

For 17 years the issue had not been resolved. The, in less than a year after this presidential decision, integration happens. The last meeting of the FFRF was held June 4, 1989. At Bourg-en-Bresse, of course, where they signed a contract to merge with the FFR.

In July, at the FFR Congress in Bordeaux, Albert Ferrasse made the official announcement of the integration of women in the FFR would come into effect the end of this year 1989. About this crucial decision the former president said little when he spoke about it in March 2005. "Oh you know, I am 88. This is all long ago. But I'm glad I did it. You know how I am. I make ​​a decision, and voila! "

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

Rugger Girls: Part 13 - The first European Championship

1980s: THE FIRST EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Thirteenth 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.

One single sentence from sums up the situation at the time: "The FFRF [French Women's Rugby Federation] had no money but large ambitions."

A championship of France with its four well-structured regions existed, a successful national team, the stock of goodwill the FFR was good. He was time to try something special. This was achieved in 1988 with the first European championship for women's rugby. Held in Bourg-en-Bresse, played for the Henry Fléchon Trophy, the first continental competition was a resounding success.

The FFRF newsletter appeared in a white cover on which was written in large letters "88 women's rugby European Cup" inside which you can read this:

"If the FFRF has decided to entrust the organization of this great event at Bresse Violets club is in memory of its recently departed president, Henry Fléchon. He was the instigator of the first international (...) and his greatest wish was to organize a European Cup. "

The French women were given the best preparations, including three tournament jerseys - one for each match. A real luxury. "It was unbelievable," recalls Vivian Berodia. "The other teams had one jersey and their girls had to wash their's for the next day. "

To top all this the FFRF unveiled its new badge: a rooster.

From 21 to 23 May 1988, the four national teams of France clash: Holland (Nederlanse Rugby Bond), Italy (Unione Italiana Sport Populare, and the Lega Nazionale Rugby) and Great Britain (Women's Rugby Football Union).

Altogether 1,500 people were present at the games. The final classification was consistent with the results from past years: 1.France, 2.Great Britain, 3. Holland, 4. Italy.

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

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.

Rugger Girls: Part 11. 1986 - France celebrates 20 years of women's rugby

1980s: WHEN YOU ENJOY IT, IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE 20 YEARS...

Eleventh 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.

1986 was a year of great celebration. French women's rugby celebrated 20 years since the formation of the Violets of Bressan. 120 players took part in an anniversary event that was coupled with the General Assembly of the FFR. Only one shadow of concern disturbs this idyllic picture: Henry Fléchon (the guiding force for most of the two decades) has fallen seriously ill.

The newsletter continues to develop and include big news. The "Beyond Borders" section, which covers initiatives from other countries, tells how participation is increasing elsewhere: "As far as national women's federations, France is no longer alone with Holland! The Italian women have formed a league! The British too! "

On the strictly national teams, potential adversaries are also becoming much more numerous. "Competition is growing internationally with the creation of teams from Sweden, Spain, U.S., and Germany."

It was also during 1986 that there is a small but significant change to the national team's badge. The acronym "AFRF" disappears, being replaced with that of the FFR*, who had taken over the running of women's rugby a couple of years before. Its design, however, does not change: a rose on white background surrounded by red and blue.

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

*Note that it would be more than 20 years later before women's teams from England would wear the badge of the RFU!

Rugger Girls: Part 10

1980s: ADMINISTRATIVE STRATEGIES

Tenth 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 the mid-1980s the French league was composed of four regional pools:

• North/Ile de France, with Chartres, Soisy, Chilly, Tourcoing, Stains, Villeneuve-la-Garenne.
• Centre/South West, with : La Teste, Tulle, Romagnat, Montluçon, Tours, Niort.
• South East/ Bourgogne/ Lyonnais, with : Bourg, Le Creusot, Chatenoy-Le-Royal, Ecully, Rillieux, Tournus.
• South, with : Bézier, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Carqueiranne, Toulouse, Narbonne, Villefranche-de-Lauragais, Port-la-Nouvelle.

What all these developments it needs to be remembered women's rugby was so organised that from the spring of 1984 it does not have a break. That year, from August 5 to 13, a training camp takes place at Gruissan, so even in the summer the girls had live rugby! After a scorching summer of rugby, official activity accelerated. In 1985, Wanda Noury was elected Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee, responsible for the North. Claude Izoard worked with the sports commission, Marie-Celine Bernard and Jackie Leterre dealt with licensing  and discipline, and Viviane Berodia was elected to the secretariat.

This was also the moment that the Ministry of Education and the FFR took further action recognising women in rugby. An official three-day course, organised at INSEP (the French National Sports Institute), by Michel Debet and Jean-Claude Bacqué, on "Problems of teaching rugby in schools and liaising with the clubs" is delivered by two lecturers, one of whom was Marie-Celine Bernard.

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

Rugger Girls: Part 9 - the first French national team

1980s: THE NATIONAL SELECTION

Ninth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby, 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.

At the 1982 AFRF General Assembly, Nadine Leterre, who had elected two years before by Tulle Women, proposed to implement an idea that had been in the air for several seasons: the creation of the French national team. And this time the dream did not remain in draft - just weeks later the first international match took place. On June 3, 1982, in Utrecht, Holland hosted France. The little French, led by Jackie Leterre and Claude Izoard, won 0-4.

"From the beginning we had an rough plan. We needed to be familiar with the women and girls playing rugby. And they wanted to know how to develop their game technically," said Jacky Laterre, more than twenty years later. "We worked in closely with the club coaches," remembers Claude Izoard, "trying to find a central place  that girls could make, travelling as few kilometers as possible."

The international games continued. In May 27 1984 in Hilversum the Netherlands defeated France 0-3, but for this game there was a small novelty: the girls got a navy blue tracksuit and shirts which they decided to decorate, sewing on a badge. That of AFRF (not FFR!).

The following year the first meeting took place against the English*. In Richmond, the French maintained their dominance in Europe by beating the first women's representatives of Perfidious Albion 8 to 14.

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


*NOTE: Actually, Des Filles en Ovalie is a little incorrect here. The game took place 19th April 1986 (not 1985), and the team France played in Richmond was Great Britain (you can read a match report here). England would not play their first international until 1987, and did not meet France until the semi-final of the first World Cup in 1991.

Rugger Girls: Part 8

1980s: AFRF - FFR: FACE TO FACE

Eighth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby, 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.

At the beginning  the 1980s major projects inspire AFRF. We dreamt of a team representing France. Claude Izoard: "When this idea began to take hold, we immediately saw that the FFR was interested. All of a sudden they gave more attention to our arguments."

On October 26, 1982 a Memorandum of Understanding is signed yet with the FFR. In some ways it marks the end of the "illegality" of the women's rugby. From that date the girls could play freely, develop their game in schools rugby, coaches licenced by the AFRF could follow the training and coaching of the FFR, clubs could open male and female sections, and FFR referees and officials could be appointed to female matches.

But a memorandum of agreement is not the rugby equivalent of "open sesame". Recognition of girls by the FFR was not instantaneous because the bureaucracy gets involved. Not until December 16, 1983 does the Ministry of Youth and Sport agree (Circular No. 1.S.131.Y ). Finally, women's clubs can, theoretically at least, receive subsidies from the government.

Under the leadership of the Ministry, AFRF becomes, May 23, 1984, the French Rugby Federation Women, FFRF. And the headquarters moves from Toulouse to Bourg-en-Bresse.

NEXT... 1980s: THE NATIONAL TEAM

Rugger Girls: Part 7. 1980s - End of the breach

1980s: END OF THE BREACH

Seventh chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby, 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 the early 80's women's rugby saw a real upheaval. Everything changed: the players, the officials, and even communication. At Bourg, Henry Fléchon saw a new player: Viviane Berodia, who quickly became known as 'Bero.' "Some girls told me to come play", she says, "but my father did not". 'Béro' ignored this . She played at fly or full-back while working for the post office. "I worked shifts and part-time." Henry Fléchon asked her to edit the ARAF's bulletin.

Her work on the bulletin proved daunting. For a period she even designed the page layouts. "Bero" kept collections of letter and characters cut from various publications in envelopes to use to compose texts and titles. And she put all together on the page.

Henry Fléchon was delighted. It must be said that his motto was always: "we need to include all the girls and talk about them. "

At ease with her role, Viviane Berodia, was not likely to be silent on the field.

The first coach she knew was Claude Izoard. "Bourg-en-Breese was then known for the strength of its game, because of the strength of its coach. At the time it was: 'we must not ask questions'. But girls like to ask questions... Playing and training went from one extreme to another - in winter it was a real test, but in the  spring, too. There were sometimes awkward situations where the ball disappeared under the 5 inches of grass on the field..."

Next time: 1980s: AFRF AND FFR: FACE TO FACE

Rugger Girls: Part 6 - 1970s: Opening up the North

Sixth chapter of the summary of the history of women's rugby, translated from from the book "Rugger Girls," written by Jacques B. Corti and Yaneth Pinilla (foreword by Serge Betsen) published weekly on Des Filles en Ovalie.

1970s - Opening up the North

The Rhone-Alpes area of southern France was now alive with initiatives, the efforts of the leaders, and the best efforts of the AFRF - and now it was the Ile de France in the north to start to move. At that time the followers of Rugby Club Chilly-Mazarin included a couple who just moved into the city: the Noury family.

In 1978, Wanda Noury becomes the chair of the club. Within a year she began to organize a women's match.

"We looked for girls everywhere in Chilly. It a success and we played our first game as a curtain raiser to one of the boys's games. I was 36 years and was my first match. It was against girls in Gennevilliers, who were very sturdy, and dressed in black. We were impressed. But we managed to score a try, and were pleased with that. It was great fun! ".

And it had not gone unnoticed. The press has had been interested and Noury Wanda received a phone call:

"It was Henry Fléchon at Bourg-en-Bresse. It was then that I discovered that there were many more teams. He asked me if I wanted to be part of the Association. "

The idea was to use Wanda's enthusiasm. She made many contacts with Soisy and Gennevilliers - who were both teams trying to start teams. Wanda Noury became the AFRF's representative for Ile de France, while continuing to lead the Chilly women's team.

Unfortunately there is now nothing other than memories and recollection of those early days. All of the  documents relating to women's rugby from the period, including all details of coaching licenses, were lost when flooding of town of Auch destroyed the house of the then leader of AFRF, Maurice Maygmaut.

NEXT WEEK: 1980s - END OF THE BREACH