Damian Penaud

Damian Penaud is celebrated for his deceptive speed and offensive vision. He began his career with Clermont but is now a prominent wing for Top 14 club Bordeaux Bègles. He has also been part of the France national team since his debut in 2017. 

Penaud was born to former French rugby union player, Alain Penaud, on 25 September 1996 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France. Damian’s rugby career began when he was 18 after he joined Clermont’s Academy.

Shortly after, in 2015, he was called up to the France Under-20s team for the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where he scored two tries against England U20. He returned for the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, scoring a try against Japan.

In 2016, Penaud made his first Top 14 appearance for Clermont. In the 2016-17 European Rugby Champions Cup, he took part in three games, replacing Aurélien Rougerie in the final against Saracens. 

Continuing with Clermont, Penaud contributed to their title win against RC Toulon in the 2016-17 Top 14 Final by setting up his side’s only try. He also scored a try against La Rochelle as the team won the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2019. Following this, Penaud continued with the club for several more seasons, before moving to Bordeaux Bègles in 2023.

In June 2017, France’s head coach, Guy Novès, selected Penaud for the national squad during the three-match series against South Africa. He returned to the French squad in 2020 for the Six Nations and was part of the team when they won the 2022 Six Nations Championship. 

Penaud’s unconventional style and remarkable try-scoring ability has propelled his career and we’re excited to see what’s next for the wing.