France officially welcomed to 2015 Rugby World Cup

Sep 18, 2015 The French national team was recently welcomed to the UK ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The ceremony, which was held at the Old Royal Naval College, saw Coach Philippe Saint-Andre and his team presented with their tournament caps and participation medals.

Speaking at the event, Thierry Dusautoir, captain of the French team said;

“We’re all very delighted to be here tonight and to share this moment with you. It’s something really special for a rugby player to live a Rugby World Cup ceremony and it’s also the beginning of the World Cup, so it’s something really important for us tonight. After New Zealand it’s here in England the home of rugby we have to live this great moment. And since we have arrived we appreciated the commitment of all the volunteers and the British weather and we already know that it’s going to be a great competition here in England.”

France will begin their campaign with a game against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday, September 19. Despite reaching the World Cup final three times, France hasn’t won the championship before and will be looking to better that record.

The team’s coach Philippe Saint-Andre said his team will strive to prove their quality at the tournament.

“So I’m sure you can be behind England but the French team will be here to try to do our best. Our preparation was very, very good and we’re looking forward to the first game in Twickenham against Italy. And also I just want to say thank you to all the facilities, all the people around us; at the moment our preparation it’s brilliant. And also on the Trinity school because for a school it’s a amazing pitch. I think the Stade de France can learn about the pitch of the Trinity School. Thank you very much and enjoy the night and be behind a little bit the French team during all the competition. Thank you very much.”