What records has the French rugby team set at the Stade de France?

Summary:

1. The Stade de France, a stronghold for Les Bleus
2. A historic points record
3. Record attendance
4. The Ramos festival
5. A historic final for Les Bleues
6. A global showcase

The Stade de France, a stronghold for Les Bleus

Since its first clash with England in the 1998 Six Nations Championship, the French team has played more than 100 international matches at the Stade de France, turning it into a veritable fortress. With more than 70 victories to its credit, the Dionysian stadium has established itself as one of the most favourable venues for French players. This impressive string of successes has enabled them to win numerous titles, including several Grand Slams and resounding triumphs in the Six Nations Championship.

A historic points record

One of the most memorable records set at the Stade de France remains the crushing victory over Namibia during the 2023 World Cup. That evening, France scored 96 points, its highest score ever in the final phase of a world competition. With 14 tries, including a brace from Damian Penaud and a spectacular try from Thomas Ramos, the French players delivered an exceptional performance. This match also broke a record for France: the largest point difference in a World Cup match (96–0). This score far exceeded the previous record set against Romania in 2006.

Record attendance

The Stade de France also holds the record for attendance at a rugby match played in France, with 80,015 spectators present for the clash against England in 2011. This match, won by Les Bleus 22-16, took place in a particularly tense context during the Tournament against a historic opponent. This type of match confirms the Stadium's ability to host the world's greatest nations and create memorable evenings.

The Ramos Festival

During the 2024 Six Nations Championship, Thomas Ramos distinguished himself by scoring 29 points against Italy, thanks to his surgical precision with the boot and a solo try. This was the best individual performance by a French player at the Stade de France since its inauguration. This performance enabled Ramos to become the top scorer in this edition of the Tournament, highlighting his crucial role in the recent successes of Les Bleus.

A historic final for Les Bleues

The Stade de France is not only a stronghold for men's rugby: it is also a stronghold for women's rugby. In 2022, the French women's team played a historic match against England, attracting more than 30,000 spectators – a record for a women's match in France. Although they were defeated that day, Les Bleues proved that they fully deserved their place on the international stage. This event marked a real turning point in the rise of women's rugby.

A global showcase

The Stade de France has hosted several World Cup semi-finals and finals, including the 2007 final between South Africa and England. It was also on this pitch that France defeated New Zealand in 1999, in a match that has gone down in rugby history. All these events have firmly established the stadium's reputation as one of the best venues in the world for hosting major international competitions.

In summary

The Stade de France is much more than just a sports venue: it embodies both passion and excellence. It has witnessed many of the greatest achievements in French rugby, both individual and collective. From the highest number of points scored to the largest attendance at a final, via the exploits of Thomas Ramos and the rise of women's rugby, this iconic venue has shaped the history of world rugby and will continue to do so in the years to come.