James Harrington
@jamesonrugby.bsky.social
Freelance journalist.
There's rugby. And then there's French rugby.
#Top14 #ProD2 #ChampionsCup #EPCRChallengeCup
https://linktr.ee/jamesharringtonjourno
There's rugby. And then there's French rugby.
#Top14 #ProD2 #ChampionsCup #EPCRChallengeCup
https://linktr.ee/jamesharringtonjourno
Late change: Manny Meafou has had to withdraw. Romain Taofifenua starts, Jimi Maximin comes onto the bench
Six changes in the starting XV, including the return of Charles Ollivon for the first time in nearly a year, and Greg Alldritt; and seven out of 8 on the bench, with Maxime Lamothe set to win his first cap
Confirmed: the France squad to face Fiji in Bordeaux this weekend
November 13, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Late change: Manny Meafou has had to withdraw. Romain Taofifenua starts, Jimi Maximin comes onto the bench
Six changes in the starting XV, including the return of Charles Ollivon for the first time in nearly a year, and Greg Alldritt; and seven out of 8 on the bench, with Maxime Lamothe set to win his first cap
Confirmed: the France squad to face Fiji in Bordeaux this weekend
November 13, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Six changes in the starting XV, including the return of Charles Ollivon for the first time in nearly a year, and Greg Alldritt; and seven out of 8 on the bench, with Maxime Lamothe set to win his first cap
Confirmed: the France squad to face Fiji in Bordeaux this weekend
November 13, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Confirmed: the France squad to face Fiji in Bordeaux this weekend
Confirmed: one more year at #Top14 side Montpellier for Billy Vunipola
www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/billy-v...
www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/billy-v...
Billy Vunipola prolonge jusqu'en 2027 ! - Montpellier Hérault Rugby - MHR
www.montpellier-rugby.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Confirmed: one more year at #Top14 side Montpellier for Billy Vunipola
www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/billy-v...
www.montpellier-rugby.com/news/billy-v...
Laurent Labit wants Perpignan off the foot of the #Top14 by the end of January. His first match in charge is the 'home' match against Montpellier in Beziers on November 22.
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
November 12, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Laurent Labit wants Perpignan off the foot of the #Top14 by the end of January. His first match in charge is the 'home' match against Montpellier in Beziers on November 22.
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actual...
Benjamin Urdapilleta's retirement is over. He's due to arrive in Perpignan this week to cover their injury crisis
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/11/12/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/11/12/t...
Urdapilleta sort de sa retraite et va s’engager à Perpignan
En conférence de presse, le nouveau manager de Perpignan Laurent Labit a annoncé l’arrivée de Benjamin Urdapilleta. L’ouvreur argentin de 39 ans sort de sa retraite pour se lancer un dernier défi : ai...
www.rugbyrama.fr
November 12, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Benjamin Urdapilleta's retirement is over. He's due to arrive in Perpignan this week to cover their injury crisis
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/11/12/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/11/12/t...
Reposted by James Harrington
Not sure how much Rassie Erasmus gets paid, but after Saturday's showing he (and his coaching staff) deserves every Rand of it
Fabien Galthie's tactical and substitutional choices proved costly
#FRAvRSA
uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/erasmus...
Fabien Galthie's tactical and substitutional choices proved costly
#FRAvRSA
uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/erasmus...
Erasmus' ingenuity sets South Africa apart from the rest
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has long been lauded for revolutionising rugby with original strategic moves but Saturday's epic comeback win over France highlighted his abilities as the world'...
uk.sports.yahoo.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Not sure how much Rassie Erasmus gets paid, but after Saturday's showing he (and his coaching staff) deserves every Rand of it
Fabien Galthie's tactical and substitutional choices proved costly
#FRAvRSA
uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/erasmus...
Fabien Galthie's tactical and substitutional choices proved costly
#FRAvRSA
uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/erasmus...
Reposted by James Harrington
I don't know but this Belgium team seems hellbent in creating history... 😈
First round of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament has wrapped up and here's my report about it
www.rugbypass.com/news/colossa...
First round of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament has wrapped up and here's my report about it
www.rugbypass.com/news/colossa...
Colossal shock in final Rugby World Cup qualifier as RWC regulars stunned
In the opening weekend of the Final Qualification Tournament for Rugby World Cup 2027, Belgium stunned fans as the Diables Noirs brushed...
www.rugbypass.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I don't know but this Belgium team seems hellbent in creating history... 😈
First round of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament has wrapped up and here's my report about it
www.rugbypass.com/news/colossa...
First round of the Rugby World Cup Final Qualification Tournament has wrapped up and here's my report about it
www.rugbypass.com/news/colossa...
France squad confirmed for Saturday's match v South Africa.
Per Bib Theory ... and the LNR's mistakenly sent early press release
Per Bib Theory ... and the LNR's mistakenly sent early press release
November 6, 2025 at 10:15 AM
France squad confirmed for Saturday's match v South Africa.
Per Bib Theory ... and the LNR's mistakenly sent early press release
Per Bib Theory ... and the LNR's mistakenly sent early press release
*Bib Theory Update*
France's possible starting XV for Saturday's Test against South Africa, based entirely on training bib numbers
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou (cap), Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio
France's possible starting XV for Saturday's Test against South Africa, based entirely on training bib numbers
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou (cap), Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio
*Very* early Bib Theory - more Bib Hypothesis, really - France starting XV for the first of the November Tests v SA.
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
November 4, 2025 at 12:40 PM
*Bib Theory Update*
France's possible starting XV for Saturday's Test against South Africa, based entirely on training bib numbers
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou (cap), Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio
France's possible starting XV for Saturday's Test against South Africa, based entirely on training bib numbers
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou (cap), Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio
And here's that expected confirmation from #Top14 side Perpignan of the new coaching set-up with Laurent Labit, Joe Worsley and Nicolas Nadau
Meanwhile, Franck Azema's name is popping up in relation to Brive - where David Darricarrere is under pressure.
www.usap.fr/articles/08B...
Meanwhile, Franck Azema's name is popping up in relation to Brive - where David Darricarrere is under pressure.
www.usap.fr/articles/08B...
November 3, 2025 at 8:43 AM
And here's that expected confirmation from #Top14 side Perpignan of the new coaching set-up with Laurent Labit, Joe Worsley and Nicolas Nadau
Meanwhile, Franck Azema's name is popping up in relation to Brive - where David Darricarrere is under pressure.
www.usap.fr/articles/08B...
Meanwhile, Franck Azema's name is popping up in relation to Brive - where David Darricarrere is under pressure.
www.usap.fr/articles/08B...
Joris Segonds is out with a knee injury. Galthie has called up Léo Barre
Fabien Galthie's second 42-player squad unveiled for the opening November international against South Africa.
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
November 2, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Joris Segonds is out with a knee injury. Galthie has called up Léo Barre
I know you're all internationally focused this weekend, but there's some #Top14 rugby taking place, too. And some of it didn't run according to plan...
Me, for @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/...
Me, for @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/...
O'Gara's La Rochelle face Racing with eager Alldritt out to impress
Alldritt, at one time an early name on Fabien Galthie’s teamsheets, has struggled to maintain his usual consistency in recent months.
www.irishexaminer.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:30 PM
I know you're all internationally focused this weekend, but there's some #Top14 rugby taking place, too. And some of it didn't run according to plan...
Me, for @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/...
Me, for @irishexaminer.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/...
That'll be Antoine Dupont signing a contract extension at Toulouse through to 2031 on the Stade Ernest Wallon pitch in front of a full house at halftime, then
November 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
That'll be Antoine Dupont signing a contract extension at Toulouse through to 2031 on the Stade Ernest Wallon pitch in front of a full house at halftime, then
Fabien Galthie's second 42-player squad unveiled for the opening November international against South Africa.
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
October 31, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Fabien Galthie's second 42-player squad unveiled for the opening November international against South Africa.
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
Some changes from the initial squad that trained at Marcoussis this week.
Assuming no injuries among those playing this weekend, this is the 42 from which the matchday 23 will come
Pau's currently injured ex-England international scrum-half Dan Robson linked with a move to ambitious #ProD2 side Provence next season, according to reports in France.
It's suggested he's overtaken Beziers' Samuel Marques in Philippe Saint-Andre's thinking
It's suggested he's overtaken Beziers' Samuel Marques in Philippe Saint-Andre's thinking
October 31, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Pau's currently injured ex-England international scrum-half Dan Robson linked with a move to ambitious #ProD2 side Provence next season, according to reports in France.
It's suggested he's overtaken Beziers' Samuel Marques in Philippe Saint-Andre's thinking
It's suggested he's overtaken Beziers' Samuel Marques in Philippe Saint-Andre's thinking
Castres have held off competition from Bordeaux and extended second row Tom Staniforth's stay at the club for one more season, through to 2027
castres-olympique.com/tom-stanifor...
castres-olympique.com/tom-stanifor...
Tom Staniforth lié au CO jusqu’en 2027 - Castres Olympique - Club de rugby Top 14
Arrivé au Castres Olympique en 2020, Tom Staniforth fait partie des cadres de notre groupe. Très utilisé dans la rotation de l’effectif, il a pris part à 92 rencontres depuis son arrivée au club. Plei...
castres-olympique.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Castres have held off competition from Bordeaux and extended second row Tom Staniforth's stay at the club for one more season, through to 2027
castres-olympique.com/tom-stanifor...
castres-olympique.com/tom-stanifor...
Galthie's first 'protected players' list of the autumn:
Aldegheri, Auradou, Barassi, Bielle-Biarrey, Boudehent, Cramont, Depoortere, Erdocio, Fickou, Flament, Gros, Guillard, Jegou, Jelonch, Le Garrec, Lucu, Marchand, Meafou, Montagne, Ntamack, Penaud, Ramos, Taofifenua
Aldegheri, Auradou, Barassi, Bielle-Biarrey, Boudehent, Cramont, Depoortere, Erdocio, Fickou, Flament, Gros, Guillard, Jegou, Jelonch, Le Garrec, Lucu, Marchand, Meafou, Montagne, Ntamack, Penaud, Ramos, Taofifenua
October 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Galthie's first 'protected players' list of the autumn:
Aldegheri, Auradou, Barassi, Bielle-Biarrey, Boudehent, Cramont, Depoortere, Erdocio, Fickou, Flament, Gros, Guillard, Jegou, Jelonch, Le Garrec, Lucu, Marchand, Meafou, Montagne, Ntamack, Penaud, Ramos, Taofifenua
Aldegheri, Auradou, Barassi, Bielle-Biarrey, Boudehent, Cramont, Depoortere, Erdocio, Fickou, Flament, Gros, Guillard, Jegou, Jelonch, Le Garrec, Lucu, Marchand, Meafou, Montagne, Ntamack, Penaud, Ramos, Taofifenua
*Very* early Bib Theory - more Bib Hypothesis, really - France starting XV for the first of the November Tests v SA.
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
October 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
*Very* early Bib Theory - more Bib Hypothesis, really - France starting XV for the first of the November Tests v SA.
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Fickou, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Le Garrec / Lucu; Boudehent, Guillard, Jelonch; Meafou, Flament; Montagne, Marchand, Erdocio / Gros
Looks increasingly likely that Laurent Labit will become new head coach at #Top14 basement side Perpignan, while Joe Worsley is set to move from Brive to take charge of the Catalan defence, Rugbyrama reports
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/29/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/29/t...
October 29, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Looks increasingly likely that Laurent Labit will become new head coach at #Top14 basement side Perpignan, while Joe Worsley is set to move from Brive to take charge of the Catalan defence, Rugbyrama reports
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/29/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/29/t...
Busy week in French rugby's rotating doors dept
After #Top14 side Perpignan confirmed Franck Azema's departure on Monday, Midi Olympique reports summer head coach arrival Rory Teague has been relieved of coaching duties at #ProD2's Beziers, as has Johnny Howard
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/28/e...
After #Top14 side Perpignan confirmed Franck Azema's departure on Monday, Midi Olympique reports summer head coach arrival Rory Teague has been relieved of coaching duties at #ProD2's Beziers, as has Johnny Howard
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/28/e...
Exclu Midi Olympique. Teague écarté, ça bouge à Béziers
La mauvaise passe actuelle de Béziers a des conséquences sur le staff. Le manager Rory Teague a été notamment écarté de ses fonctions.
www.rugbyrama.fr
October 28, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Busy week in French rugby's rotating doors dept
After #Top14 side Perpignan confirmed Franck Azema's departure on Monday, Midi Olympique reports summer head coach arrival Rory Teague has been relieved of coaching duties at #ProD2's Beziers, as has Johnny Howard
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/28/e...
After #Top14 side Perpignan confirmed Franck Azema's departure on Monday, Midi Olympique reports summer head coach arrival Rory Teague has been relieved of coaching duties at #ProD2's Beziers, as has Johnny Howard
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/28/e...
#Top14 side Perpignan confirm the departure of manager Franck Azema, after 8 defeats and zero points in their first 8 games - the worst-ever start to a Top 14 season
www.usap.fr/articles/0BF...
www.usap.fr/articles/0BF...
October 27, 2025 at 8:40 PM
#Top14 side Perpignan confirm the departure of manager Franck Azema, after 8 defeats and zero points in their first 8 games - the worst-ever start to a Top 14 season
www.usap.fr/articles/0BF...
www.usap.fr/articles/0BF...
Matthieu Jalibert out for four weeks with a thigh injury picked up in the win over Bayonne, meaning he will miss France's entire November international period
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/27/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/27/t...
Jalibert forfait pour l’ensemble de la tournée de novembre
L’ouvreur de l’UBB et du XV de France Matthieu Jalibert (26 ans, 35 sélections) va manquer quatre semaines de compétition suite à sa blessure face à Bayonne. Il est donc forfait pour l’ensemble de la ...
www.rugbyrama.fr
October 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Matthieu Jalibert out for four weeks with a thigh injury picked up in the win over Bayonne, meaning he will miss France's entire November international period
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/27/t...
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/27/t...
Franck Azema close to the exit door at #Top14 basement side Perpignan, following their eighth defeat in eight matches, reports Midi Olympique.
Laurent Labit in pole position to take over
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/26/t...
Laurent Labit in pole position to take over
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/26/t...
Info Midol. Azéma vers la sortie à Perpignan, un ancien entraîneur du XV de France pressenti
La mission de Franck Azéma à la tête de l’Usap touche à sa fin. Le technicien est sur le point de quitter le club catalan. Pour prendre la suite, la piste Laurent Labit tient la corde.
www.rugbyrama.fr
October 26, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Franck Azema close to the exit door at #Top14 basement side Perpignan, following their eighth defeat in eight matches, reports Midi Olympique.
Laurent Labit in pole position to take over
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/26/t...
Laurent Labit in pole position to take over
www.rugbyrama.fr/2025/10/26/t...
FFR has confirmed Matthieu Jalibert is out of the initial week's training camp for the November internationals, along with Romain Taofifenua.
Ugo Seunes rapid rise continues. He's called up in Jalibert's place, while Baptiste Pesenti comes in for Taofifenua
Ugo Seunes rapid rise continues. He's called up in Jalibert's place, while Baptiste Pesenti comes in for Taofifenua
Called up to France on Wednesday. Played his first game of the season on Saturday night. Headed to FFR HQ on Sunday.
Of course Maxime Lucu was in fine fettle. But there may be some not-so good Matthieu Jalibert news on Fabien Galthie's horizon
www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/...
Of course Maxime Lucu was in fine fettle. But there may be some not-so good Matthieu Jalibert news on Fabien Galthie's horizon
www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/...
Lucu is ready to answer the call
JAMES HARRINGTON FRENCH COLUMN SCRUM-HALF Maxime Lucu played his first minutes of the season for Bordeaux last night, after rupturing a tendon in his hand in a pre-season outing against Montauban – an...
www.therugbypaper.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 7:10 PM
FFR has confirmed Matthieu Jalibert is out of the initial week's training camp for the November internationals, along with Romain Taofifenua.
Ugo Seunes rapid rise continues. He's called up in Jalibert's place, while Baptiste Pesenti comes in for Taofifenua
Ugo Seunes rapid rise continues. He's called up in Jalibert's place, while Baptiste Pesenti comes in for Taofifenua