French rugby. Explained. Dissected. Enjoyed

There’s rugby ... and, then, there’s French rugby

Hello — as that big image at the top reads — and welcome to Le Rugby, a new guide through the strange and mysterious world of French rugby.

This newsletter is for ... well... anyone and everyone interested in the game in France. There will be matchday previews and reviews, opinion pieces, updates on player recruitment and managerial sackings, and other news from the Top 14, ProD2, Elite 1 and Nationale, and — when necessary, which is quite often — explanations on just what the hell is going on.

There may even be videos. There will almost definitely be human-entered em-dashes.

My name is James Harrington. I’m a freelance sports journalist and rugby writer living and working in the heart of French rugby country.

I write about the game and the clubs in France for The Irish Examiner, Rugbypass and The Rugby Paper. I’ve worked with World Rugby, EPCR and UK news agency The Press Association, and written for — among others — Rugby World, Scottish Daily Mail, Irish Independent, South Africa Rugby Mag, and ESPN.

I’ve helped broadcasters and commentators with pre-match research for games involving French sides, edited copy for matchday programmes and websites, including the official HSBC SVNS and Pacific Nations Cup platforms and Rugby World Cup 2023, and popped up on podcasts and radio.

Now, and with my usual very personal timing, I’m belatedly dipping a toe into this not-so-newfangled newsletter thing, too, bringing expert insight on the game in France right to your inbox. Things will be up and running here shortly, but please feel free to subscribe now if you’d like to stay up to date and receive emails whenever new content is published.