Pauline Bourdon

Pauline Bourdon Sansus (née Bourdon) plays as a scrum-half for Stade Toulousain and the France women's rugby union team. She made her debut for the national side in 2015, just three days after her 20th birthday. Since then, Bourdon has represented the team at the Women's Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup.

Born on 4 November 1995 in Limoges, France, Bourdon began playing rugby at the age of four. She trained throughout her childhood, first at Capo Limoges and then at USA Limoges. 

Next, in 2013, Bourdon started her club career. She was signed to AS Bayonne and remained with the team until 2021. During this time, she won the French Elite 2 in 2014. One year later, she made her international debut: an 11-0 triumph over England.

Since then, Bourdon has made her name as an outstanding scrum-half. She made her first Six Nations appearance in 2016 and scored her first tries at the tournament in 2018. This included a try during France's magnificent 57-0 win against Italy and in their 38-8 victory against Wales. Her streak continued in 2019, when she scored four tries and eight conversions. 

It was during the 2021 Six Nations that Bourdon's talent was widely recognised. She put on a spectacular performance and scored 13 points (including two tries and a penalty) against Wales—France won the match 53-0.

In the same year, Bourdon was selected to represent France at the 2021 Rugby World Cup. Her moment of glory came in the third-place play-off, when she scored a try against Canada. The game ended 36-0 and France finished in third place.

Bourdon continued to excel in 2023. At the Six Nations, she was named Player of the Match for her brace of tries in France’s epic 53-3 victory over Ireland. She also crossed the line at the inaugural WXV tournament. As a result, she was named in the World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year.

Away from the pitch, Bourdon is married to former French rugby player and teammate, Laure Sansus. The pair tied the knot in 2023 and changed their names to Bourdon Sansus. 

A regular star on the international stage, we're eager to watch Pauline Bourdon's future performances.