France have been crowned 2022 Guinness Six Nations champions after defeating England in Paris to secure their first title and Grand Slam since 2010.
Les Bleus completed a memorable clean sweep with a 25-13 victory over England, having been pushed all the way by Ireland after Andy Farrell’s men beat Scotland earlier in the day.
Ireland’s bonus-point 26-5 win in Dublin briefly saw the men in green overtake France in the table ahead of the visit of Eddie Jones’ men in the final match on Super Saturday.
That result meant only a win would do for France if they were to end their 12-year wait for the Championship title – and Fabien Galthie’s men held their nerve to get the job done.
First-half tries from Gael Fickou and Francois Cros – in addition to eight points from Melvyn Jaminet – put the hosts 18-6 ahead at the break as Marcus Smith kicked England’s points.
England responded after the restart with their first try through Freddie Steward on 49 minutes as the visitors, champions themselves in 2020, looked to pile on the pressure in Paris.
But roared on by a rocking Stade de France, Les Bleus pulled away once again as reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Antoine Dupont sprinted over for his side’s third try to put the result beyond doubt.
France’s road to the 2022 title also started in Paris in February, with a 37-10 win over Italy on the opening weekend, before they got the better of Championship rivals Ireland 30-24 in another Stade de France thriller in Round 2.
Les Bleus kept their Grand Slam bid alive with a 36-17 triumph against Scotland before edging past 2021 Guinness Six Nations champions Wales in Round 4, winning 13-9 in Cardiff.
And they wrapped up a memorable clean sweep – their 10th Grand Slam – with victory over England for their first Championship title since 2010 as Ireland had to settle for second.
