Founded in Rugby, England, in 1848, rugby is one of the most popular sports in France. And with good reason: there's no shortage of championships, from the Top 14 to the Pro D2 and the 6 Nations Tournament... Rugby à XV is played by teams of 15 players. Less popular, rugby à sept is the second most popular form of rugby in France, but with different rules to rugby à XV. This time, matches are shorter, lasting just 14 minutes (compared with 80 minutes in XV rugby, divided into two 40-minute halves). In 7-a-side rugby, matches are more intense, with a smaller number of players than in 15-a-side on an equally large pitch, requiring different player profiles.
Considered an Olympic discipline since 2016, 7-a-side rugby can be played in Paris and the Ile-de-France region in stadiums open to the public and with free access. However, before you go, check the opening times or, better still, visit the stadium to find out more!
Otherwise, the easiest way (and the best way to join a team and have permanent teammates) is surely to train with a club! All you have to do is pay a yearly license fee to the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and join the team that best suits your age and/or level.
In Paris (75)
In Hauts-de-Seine (92)
In Seine-Saint-Denis (93)
In Val-de-Marne (94)
In Val-d'Oise (95)
In Essonne (91)
In Seine-et-Marne (77)
Official website
www.ffr.fr
