Monaco played host to France’s national rugby team from 3rd to 14th July, but what were Le XV de France doing in the Principality? 

Lots, as it happens.  

The national team managed to fit plenty into an 11-day stay, both on and off the pitch, including multiple meetings with Prince Albert II de Monaco, Princess Charlene and Monegasque officials as well as an open-to-the-public training session at the Stade Louis II that was attended by almost 4,000 local fans of the French team.

But ultimately, the team was in the Principality as part of preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which France is hosting.  

The theme of training sessions was “high precision”, and Didier Deschamps, France’s national football team’s manager, was drafted in to assist Le XV in honing their skills ahead of what will be a huge home World Cup for the team.  

After a few days off, the team will soon be heading to the Centre National de Rugby in Essonne, near Paris, for another round of intense training sessions.  

The first match of the World Cup for the home team will open the tournament on 8th September, and see the French team face off against the New Zealand side.  

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department