By accumulating 196 points (including 31 tries) in their three victories over three of their five Six Nations opponents (Wales, Scotland, and England), the French U20 women's team not only made an impact globally but also cemented their reputation at the very first Women's Summer Series.
Despite the high scores, the matches didn't start smoothly, particularly against Scotland and England, where the opponents scored first. However, the team quickly rallied each time, securing victory in style.
A generation with a steely mentality
From July 4 to 14 in Parma, Italy, three key components forged Les Bleuettes' ascendancy: teamwork, a mentality of steel, and exceptional skills. “Alone we go faster, but together we go further, together we are stronger,” insists coach Caroline Suné. “If we're together, we'll be invincible. The squad takes precedence over individuals, and that's what I've tried to instil in this group.
“This generation is probably the most mentally prepared to give it their all. They weren't afraid, and that's our trademark.”
Their Women's Summer Series staff made a bold decision before the campaign: prioritise attack over defence, focus on scoring rather than just defending, and be prepared to concede tries but score even more in return. This strategy paid off beyond all expectations.
“Moreover, it was the first time we had been away for so long, and we hoped to establish this type of competition. Playing three very high-level matches every five days was something the girls were not used to, and it was our biggest concern, especially with the heat and the unusual schedule—we never play at 10:30 in the morning!
"I told them to write their own history, to be on top of Europe and to be forever the first. That quote kept coming back. Words are like love; you need actions. And actions take place on the rugby pitch. They understood that, and we saw it,” she recalls.
Showing the value of Women's U20s
“It's something the coaches tell us, and it's something we remember,” says international full-back/winger Kelly Arbey. “It's important to show today that we're girls and that women's rugby is progressing, that we are also capable of achieving big victories and playing significant games.
“We've been able to build up a lot of experience, a lot of preparation, and even a totally different group dynamic with coaches who have different game plans and perspectives. Our sporting life feeds our experience. It's just extraordinary to come here with other girls and share all that.”
“We're up against some strong teams. Taking part in a tournament like this helps to promote women's rugby, to raise our profile, and to show that there are U18 and U20 teams who can also win and bring home victories,” adds lock Kiara Zago.
An unforgettable experience for the players
Even though some of the squad members have already played for the senior team, the U20s offer a tremendous learning opportunity, especially given the high-level competition involved.
“It's important not to skip any stages and to gather as much experience as possible to get a taste of the top level,” states Kelly Arbey (19), who already has four caps with the French women's team. “It's perfect to go through all the stages. That way, once you've reached the highest level, you have all the experience and confidence you need. It's good to experience this high level and understand that not everything is guaranteed—you have to fight for your place if you want to stay there.
“The aim is to perform well, to show that you have what it takes, that in your position you can become the best and gain as much experience as possible.”
Similarly, Marie Morland participated in a training camp with the French women's team earlier this year in preparation for the 2024 Women's Six Nations Championship, although she didn't actually attend the competition.
“For me, it's so cool to be here. Step by step, it's great like this. It's a crazy experience,” she says. “Individually, everyone wants to play and shine, but what's going to make the team shine is all of us together. Playing the best games we can and ultimately making the big team is everyone's goal.”
A testing ground in Parma
For the French staff, the Women's Summer Series was also an opportunity to test players in positions they had not previously considered. This approach not only assessed their adaptability but also instilled flexibility into their game - something which could be of benefit to them throughout their careers.
That's why back row Marie Morland was tried out as a prop. “We'll see,” she smiles. “I need to work on my cardio and maybe I can stay at No. 8. I started centre ... It's an experiment. You can try it out and see if it works. I'm open to anything. No coach is going to judge us.”
The sensation of the tournament, Hawa Tounkara, has been used as a fullback, wing, and centre as required. Even centre Enoé Neri found herself playing fly-half. “I have to get out of my comfort zone, and I like that too,” she confides.
