Pauline Bourdon-Sansus Unveils France Women’s Rugby Ambitions for World Cup Year

France’s Women’s Rugby Team Eyes Six Nations Glory and World Cup Triumph: An Exclusive Interview with Pauline Bourdon-Sansus

By Archyde News
March 22, 2025

Following the triumphant Six Nations run by France’s men’s and under-20s teams, all eyes are now on the french women’s rugby team, Les Bleues. As they gear up to face Ireland in Belfast this Saturday at 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m.EST), veteran scrum-half Pauline Bourdon-Sansus, with 61 caps to her name, shares her insights on the team’s aspirations, their journey to regain confidence, the challenge posed by England, and their ultimate goal: the World Cup.

Ready for the Tournament? Building Momentum in Marcoussis

Bourdon-sansus exudes optimism as the team concludes their training session in Marcoussis.”Yes, it is indeed fine. We train well, we try to take maximum pleasure in the field, it’s always nice to find girls and share good times on the field.” This camaraderie and positive energy are crucial as they embark on the demanding Six Nations campaign.

Overcoming Recent Setbacks: Regaining Confidence After a Challenging Fall

Reflecting on a difficult fall season marked by defeats against Canada and New Zealand, Bourdon-Sansus acknowledges the challenges. “It was difficult to put our game in place and that we got a lot of time in defense… We are not necessarily in mega confidence,but we were able to say things on a preparation course in January. We try to find the solutions, staff and players to go back on good feet on this start of the tournament. There is no reason why we lost our whole rugby in a year. It will come back,you just have to regain a little self-confidence.”

The team’s January training camp in Elche, Spain, served as a crucial reset. Bourdon-Sansus highlights the importance of rediscovering their fighting spirit: “I think we were a little upside down in Canada. We like to play the ball very much and we forget that rugby is a combat sport.Referring to this, on the commitment and the state of mind of the group, I think that is what we have been doing for ten days.If we are there for each othre, it will roll on its own, rugby is a collective sport, we rely on the friends next to it. This is what we must recreate in this group.” This emphasis on collective strength and mutual support is a cornerstone of their strategy.This mirrors the approach taken by accomplished U.S. teams in sports like football and basketball,where teamwork often outweighs individual brilliance.

The Evolving Landscape of the Six Nations: A More Competitive Field

Bourdon-Sansus recognizes the increasing competitiveness of the Six Nations.”Yes completely, especially as this year, we have a elaborate calendar, we move three times, like boys. Women’s rugby is progressing, but so much the better for us, it prepares us even better, because we hope to play this final against the English. Before that there is Ireland, a very aggressive team, which rises hard. It is up to us to build our match well not to make any misconduct when the tournament enters.”

This shift reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, where increased investment and visibility are driving higher levels of performance across the board. In american sports, the rise of the WNBA and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) demonstrates a similar trajectory.

The England Challenge: Overcoming Twelve Consecutive Defeats

The looming specter of England, against whom France has suffered twelve consecutive defeats, remains a significant hurdle. bourdon-Sansus acknowledges their strength: “If I knew it, I would tell you! Already, their championship is more attractive than ours, it hits a little stronger. We have just moved to a single hen of 10 teams in France, so it also starts to take shape. They are also professional in their club, it plays a little, they are a little ahead of us on that. Before, we managed to beat them, but they mounted a notch compared to us. Despite everything, we are not far away, there is a way to do something and hurt them before the World Cup.”

The professionalization of women’s rugby in England, with more players contracted to clubs, gives them a distinct advantage. This echoes the situation in U.S. women’s soccer, where the NWSL’s growth has allowed American players to compete at a higher level and attract top international talent.

Bourdon-Sansus outlines France’s strategy to counter England’s dominance: “We have a new system that is gradually being put in place.Trusting yourself and playing rugby is what you like. We want to move the ball, playing up as much as possible, and on that, it can be done very much to all the teams. Let’s stay focused on Ireland and the first, games we will go up little by little before finding England.” This emphasis on a dynamic, ball-in-hand approach could be key to unlocking England’s defense.

The Thrill of the Crowd: Rekindling the Twickenham magic

Bourdon-Sansus vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere of playing in front of over 58,000 fans at Twickenham two years ago, a record for a women’s rugby match. “It was amazing,I had never known that.Going into this stadium, even if it was full of English supporters it gives a lot of energy. We were keen to do well and we want it to happen again we really see that female rugby is progressing, that people are more and more interested in us. We must continue to produce gorgeous games, that viewers are happy to come and see us playing. It will only go by advancing, I’m sure.”

This experience underscores the growing popularity of women’s rugby and the potential for even greater fan engagement. In the U.S., the success of women’s sports leagues hinges on creating compelling game-day experiences and fostering a strong sense of community among fans.

Leading by example: Bourdon-Sansus’s Role in the Team

As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Bourdon-Sansus embraces her leadership role. “We have established leaders. I am rather an offensive leader to guide the attack on this team. I try as much as possible to accompany the little young people who enter the group. We try with the two captains Manaé (Feleu) and Marine (household) to be support for them.”

Her instinctive and opportunistic playing style sets her apart. “I play instinctively, I am an opportunist. In this sport, we want to go behind this line and I have this gniac, this desire to advance the team. If I see a hole, I’ll go.I can’t tell you how it comes, it’s instinctive.” This proactive approach is vital for creating scoring opportunities and inspiring her teammates.

The Ultimate Goal: The World Cup in England

The upcoming World Cup in England in August looms large in Bourdon-Sansus’s mind. “Yes completely. The 6 nations tournaments are incredible, wearing the jersey of the French team is incredible.But to live a World Cup where England is dominating world female rugby… There will be people, it’s going to be an event that, I think, will rock female rugby.And then it’s a competition that I have never won. I hope to be able to win it before perhaps ending my career, because I am starting to get age.”

The World Cup represents the pinnacle of women’s rugby, and Bourdon-Sansus is determined to seize this chance to make history. The U.S. women’s national soccer team’s success in the World Cup has demonstrated the power of this event to elevate the profile of women’s sports and inspire future generations.

Drawing Inspiration from the Men’s Success

The recent success of the French men’s and under-20s teams serves as a source of motivation for Les bleues. “No,it grows and it encourages. We really want to do as well as them. In addition, we see all the emotions they were able to live behind a title, that’s why we play rugby. They showed us the example, it’s up to us to take over. I hope that we will succeed in lifting the trophy as they were able to do.”

Their achievements provide a blueprint for success and a reminder of the pride and joy that comes with winning a major championship.This kind of cross-pollination of success is common in sports, where teams in the same organization or country inspire each other to achieve their own goals.

Growing Interest in Women’s Rugby: A Positive Trend

Bourdon-Sansus acknowledges the increasing visibility and popularity of women’s rugby. “Yes we really see that it’s going up. It goes through audiences, we must show ourselves so that people can be more and more interested in us. But it will also go through results and titles, you have to continue. At present, we are in our place. You have to win by winning titles, there is no reason that we do not get there.”

Increased television coverage and record-breaking attendance figures are indicators of this positive trend. In the U.S., the growth of women’s sports is fueled by greater media attention and a growing recognition of the talent and athleticism on display.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bourdon-Sansus expresses her ambitious goals: “The great hat-trick? Inevitably, we always want to want to win! But win the tournament, do something with my club, I think we have the means. The World Cup is a little further, we have time to see coming. Already making a good tournament and being champion with my club, it would be a lot.”

Whether Les Bleues can achieve this ambitious trifecta remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: they will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Six Nations and World Cup.

What are Pauline Bourdon-Sansus’s goals for 2025 both individually and for the French national team?

France Rugby’s Pauline Bourdon-Sansus on Six Nations and World Cup Dreams

Archyde News: Hello, and welcome to Archyde News! Today, we have the honor of speaking with Pauline Bourdon-Sansus, scrum-half for the French women’s rugby team, “Les bleues”.Pauline, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure.

Recovering Confidence after a challenging Year

Archyde News: The team is gearing up for the Six Nations. Though, reflecting on the fall season can you tell us how the team is regaining its confidence in the wake of defeats against Canada and New Zealand?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: It was difficult, we spent a lot of time in defence,but we were able to say things on a preparation course in january. We try to find the solutions, staff and players to go back on good feet. referring to the commitment and the state of mind of the group, I think that is what we have been doing for ten days. If we are there for each other, it will roll on its own, rugby is a collective sport.

The England Challenge: Overcoming Past Defeats

Archyde News: England has been a notable challenge, with twelve consecutive losses for France. How is the team approaching this rivalry, and do you see this England team as a benchmark in women’s rugby?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: They are also professional in their club, it plays a little, they are a little ahead of us on that. We have a new system that is gradually being put in place. Trusting yourself and playing rugby is what you like. Playing up as much as possible, and on that, it can be done very much to all the teams. let’s stay focused on Ireland and the first games we will go up little by little before finding England.

The Thrill of the Crowd and Leadership

Archyde News: Two years ago, you played at Twickenham in front of a record-breaking crowd. How did that experience impact the team, and how do you, as a senior player, guide the younger members of les Bleues?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: It was amazing; I had never known that. Going into this stadium, even if it was full of English supporters it gives a lot of energy. We were keen to do well and we want it to happen again.I am an offensive leader. I try as much as possible to accompany the little young people who enter the group. We try with the two captains Manaé (Feleu) and Marine (household) to be support for them.”

The World Cup in England: The Ultimate Goal

Archyde News: The World Cup in England is on the horizon.How important is the World Cup to you and the team, and what does it mean to potentially compete in a tournament where England is dominant?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: The 6 nations tournaments are incredible, but to live a World Cup where England is dominating world female rugby… It’s a competition that I have never won. I hope to be able to win it before perhaps ending my career. Seeing the Men’s team success is also something that, really wants to go forward and do as well as them.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Archyde News: Women’s rugby is certainly on the rise. What are your specific goals for 2025, both individually and for the team?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: The great hat-trick? inevitably, we always want to want to win! But win the tournament . The World Cup is a little further, we have time to see coming. I’m also focus on being champion with my club. We are in our place. You have to win by winning titles, there is no reason that we do not get there.

Archyde News: Pauline, thank you for sharing your insights and aspirations with us. We wish you and Les Bleues the very best in the Six Nations and the upcoming World Cup. This has been an incredibly engaging interview. Before we conclude,what message would you give to fans and aspiring rugby players?

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus: Thank you. It is indeed critically important that people show us more as that creates desire to advance. You just have to keep playing, if you enjoy, if you are happy on a field, all that will go at it, and it is important for us to see that.