France will not be taking on their English rivals with sporting weapons alone. For the Six Nations Crunch, France will unveil a brand new jersey, a symbolic piece designed as a nod to the origins of the oldest rivalry in French rugby.

Designed by Adidas, France’s new kit supplier since 2024, this special jersey stands out for an unusual sky blue shade, inspired by the one worn at the very first meeting between the French and the English in 1906. A bold aesthetic choice, one that contrasts with the traditional royal blue associated with France’s identity for more than a century.

The launch comes in a particular context, as is often the case against the English. The Fédération française de rugby is celebrating 120 years of its national team, an ideal opportunity to combine heritage and modernity. The shirt, worn by captain Antoine Dupont and his team-mates, takes up the historic codes while incorporating current performance standards, blending technical materials and a clean design.

In the Crunch, even the blue can change. Not the pride.