Opinion
British & Irish Lions
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Gavin Mortimer
Few Anglophone rugby writers have such an intimate (and painful) knowledge of French rugby as Gavin Mortimer. Having been gouged, butted and stamped during two seasons as a player in the deep south of the country, Gavin now prefers the more sedate pastime of writing about the state of the game in France. Over the years he’s interviewed the likes of Bernard Laporte, Frederic Michalak and Antoine Dupont, and he also provides co-commentary for Canal Plus’s English language coverage of the Top 14.
112 Articles
Latest
11 days ago International Rugby
Idea of a future Lions tour gaining traction in France
25 days ago International Rugby
The Top 14, not Test rugby, is king in France
31 days ago International Rugby
How France made a mockery of 'misjudged' New Zealand criticism
53 days ago Top 14
Should French exile Ribbans have toured with the Lions?
Opinion
Is it the end of the one-club man?
Henry Chavancy may not be a household name but the Racing 92 talisman bade farewell after 17 years and one wonders if we'll see hi…
Gavin Mortimer
10 Jun 2025, 0:35
Opinion
'The French don’t understand Pollock is purposely playing the pantomime villain'
Bordeaux's response to Henry Pollock's antics and the reaction in France suggest the French do not 'get' tongue-in-cheek humour.
Gavin Mortimer
28 May 2025, 17:30
Opinion
Fans flock to France’s ‘formidable’ ProD2 as English second tier plays catch-up
With former Test stars and record crowds, the ProD2 is a showcase for French rugby as the play-offs begin.
Gavin Mortimer
22 May 2025, 23:37
Opinion
'Love him or hate him, Henry Pollock has got the rugby world talking.'
The Northampton and England backrow's confidence, verve and raw ability have raised eyebrows around the globe
Gavin Mortimer
08 May 2025, 5:52
Opinion
Fur set to fly as Parisian duo dragged into Top 14 relegation dogfight
While Vannes and Perpignan battle to avoid the drop, Stade Français and Racing 92 are also scrapping for survival.
Gavin Mortimer
24 Apr 2025, 19:00
Opinion
Are 'tired' Toulouse a diminished force without Antoine Dupont?
The Investec Champions Cup holders look weary and devoid of attacking spark since being shorn of their totemic scrum-half.
Gavin Mortimer
17 Apr 2025, 15:55
Analysis
Clermont's comeback gathers pace as fallen European heavyweights plot path to redemption
After the golden years of Rougerie, Parra, Fofana and Keyser, Clermont's fall was swift but there are signs the tide is turning
Gavin Mortimer
01 Apr 2025, 23:58
Opinion
'Matches between Les Bleus and the All Blacks are rarely for the faint-hearted.'
There is a history of rancour and recriminations between France and New Zealand and this summer's Test series promises to be red-h…
Gavin Mortimer
25 Mar 2025, 22:15
Opinion
‘Dupont may return just as fast and even wiser and smarter. France, and the world, hopes so’
ACL injuries are mentally challenging but Antoine Dupont's club-mate Jack Willis is proof players can come back even stronger.
Gavin Mortimer
11 Mar 2025, 16:17
Opinion
'No-nonsense' heroes square up for Six Nations-defining tussle in Dublin
Peter O'Mahony and Francois Cros play brilliantly effective if somewhat unheralded roles for Ireland and France.
Gavin Mortimer
28 Feb 2025, 7:28
Opinion
France lack killer instinct of champions after dose of rugby ‘yips’
A lack of execution under pressure made France's defeat by England the most demoralising of Fabien Galthié’s reign.
Gavin Mortimer
12 Feb 2025, 2:16
Opinion
Is the age of the supersized wing over?
Jonah Lomu brought the advent of the behemoth on the wing but a new raft of jet-heeled, smaller wings has taken hold
Gavin Mortimer
05 Feb 2025, 16:08
Analysis
Comeback kings and Champions Cup boost French morale for Six Nations
Two returning players and French teams' results in Europe put Les Bleus in good heart despite injuries.
Gavin Mortimer
21 Jan 2025, 17:20
Opinion
Money not everything in Toulouse ‘paradise’ as rivals try to rein in champions
Rivals may be envious of Toulouse's budget but the French and European champions' success is not just about money.
Gavin Mortimer
07 Jan 2025, 23:43
Opinion
'Lightweight' Premiership not preparing England players for Test rugby
England's top-flight is turning out soft players incapable of withstanding the pressures of international rugby.
Gavin Mortimer
19 Nov 2024, 17:57
Analysis
The ferocity of the Top 14 doesn't help Fabien Galthie and France
After a summer of disharmony, Les Bleus are back in action with their talisman Antoine Dupont but there are problems from within t…
Gavin Mortimer
06 Nov 2024, 16:20
Opinion
Jack Willis: England 'crazy' not to select Toulouse star
The RFU's policy on not selecting overseas-based stars deprives them of their most in-form player.
Gavin Mortimer
29 Oct 2024, 22:19
Exclusive
Mako Vunipola: 'Lunch is a big thing in France. It’s something we need to adjust to in England.'
The England and Saracens legend is getting used to the quiet life in Brittany and inspiring the next generation of front rows
Gavin Mortimer
26 Oct 2024, 19:05
Opinion
Vannes the man: Mako Vunipola already a cult-hero in France
The Brittany club has swiftly embraced the ex-England prop in their debut Top 14 campaign.
Gavin Mortimer
27 Sep 2024, 0:39
Opinion
Can Toulouse winning machine Ugo Mola undo England's straitjacket?
The decorated Toulouse boss wants to coach England. Maybe he's what they need.
Gavin Mortimer
18 Sep 2024, 21:07