TheFrench rugby team is known by many names: le XV de France, les Tricolores... The most common is, of course, Les Bleus. A color for a nation, associated with the jersey traditionally worn by the players. Since the early 20th century, French rugby players have worn a blue jersey, usually accompanied by white shorts and red socks. However, Les Bleus don't always play in blue.
Yes, our players have two official outfits: one with a blue jersey, the other with a white jersey. This second set is usually worn against teams playing in blue or black. To better differentiate the nations and facilitate understanding of the game, a change of color is then necessary. Most often, France plays in white against Italy, Scotland or New Zealand. It should be noted that the colors red and green are no longer combined on the pitch either, to enable color-blind players to follow the action properly.
But why should the French have to change their jerseys? It's customary for thevisiting team to keep its colors, while the host country adopts its spare uniform as a courtesy. In the case of matches played on neutral ground, it's the team closest to the host stadium that has to adapt and change kit.
More recently, color choices have been settled by drawing lots. This was the case in 2023, during the France-New Zealand match: the All Blacks having won the draw, they were able to choose not only their jersey, but also their dressing room and training schedule.
Blue or white jersey, white or blue shorts and red socks: this color code is simply that of the French flag! The Gallic cockerel symbol on the jersey first appeared in rugby in 1911. After Les Bleus' first victory over Scotland, the captain of the French team at the time, Marcel Communeau, imposed the cockerel symbol on his players.
For the record, the French have also played in red jerseys, although this is much rarer. It happened in 1958 against Australia, in 1959 against Scotland, and in 2015 for the Rugby World Cup. Three instances that didn't go down too well with French fans.
Six Nations Tournament 2025: schedule, programme and broadcasting
From January 31 to March 15, 2025, Europe's finest rugby players will face off in the Six Nations Tournament! To make sure you don't miss out on this sporting event, check out the program! [Read more]
Six Nations Tournament 2025: schedule, programme and broadcasting
