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'The players are unable to develop technically and physically' - Delaigue
By Peter Thompson
Yann Delaigue says the huge influx of foreign players in the Top 14 is damaging French rugby and thinks it could take up to five years for Les Bleus to compete with the best in the world.
France won just three of 11 Tests last year and lost their first two Six Nations matches last month in a new era under Jacques Brunel, who replaced sacked head coach Guy Noves.
Former France fly-half Delaigue feels the vast quantity of overseas imports is preventing young talent from being given the chance to develop and that is harming the national team.
He told Omnisport: "We have a big problem in that we just can't seem to compete against the big nations.
"We have a problem in that in our championship we have a lot of foreign players and we don't give the young French players enough opportunities. The players are unable to develop technically and physically."
Delaigue added: "I think it could take up to five years to become a strong nation. We have good young players, but we need them to gain more experience playing in the Top 14 so they can develop into stars.
"We know that and things may change now, but it will take time for that to show with results."
Brunel got the first victory of his reign against Italy last time out and Delaigue thinks he could be a good appointment, but does not think it was a change of head coach that France need to move forward.
"Jacques Brunel is a good guy. Guy Noves was also a good guy, I don't think the coach is the problem, there is much more to it than that," Delaigue said.
- Delaigue was speaking during the Tournoi des 6 Stations Orangina [The 6 Stations Tournament] on the snow in the French Alps from February 12-18. For more information on the event visit http://tournoides6stations.com/en/
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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