The end of an era. And above all the beginning of a new story. On Wednesday, the FFR announced the new head coach of France Women. Out go the duo of Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz, and it is one François Ratier who is the lucky man.

A two-time French champion with the Lionnes of Stade Bordelais, the 53-year-old was chosen at the end of a recruitment process that took its time. Plenty of CVs did the rounds, but that of the former Angoulême player was particularly high up the list.

Experience

“François Ratier’s appointment comes at a big moment for women’s rugby and for our France women: record crowds in the stadiums, historic viewing figures and a continuous rise in the number of registered players“, enthused FFR president Florian Grill.

Before adding : “His arrival fits perfectly into that momentum and brings us a tremendous collective energy to support the spectacular growth of our sport“. In 2014, a year after taking charge, François Ratier led the Canada women’s side to the World Cup final. He was also head coach of the men’s team in 2016, for a few months.