France

One of the most successful women’s sides in Europe, the French are also one of the longest serving sides in the game. While there are reports of women’s rugby being played in France as early as the 1890s, it wasn’t until the 1960s that records of the game became official. A women’s body to run the game was formed in 1969 and in 1982 a memorandum of understanding was agreed with the FFR - and in the same year France took part in the first ever women's rugby international. France regularly finish in the top four of the World rankings and have won a number of European and 6 Nations titles.