With France aiming for a strong start in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The absence of star scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus from their opening match comes as a major setback. Widely regarded as one of France’s most influential and talented players.
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Bourdon Sansus has been handed a two-match suspension following critical remarks. She made about refereeing standards in the Elite 1 domestic competition at the end of May. The disciplinary action means she will miss the crucial beginning of France’s campaign. Depriving the team of her sharp decision-making. Tactical kicking, and dynamic presence on the field. Her absence is expected to significantly impact France’s game management. And attacking rhythm as they enter the tournament under the spotlight.
Suspension Blow Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Opener for France
France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign will begin without their world-class scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus. Who has been issued a two-match suspension by French rugby authorities. The 28-year-old playmaker, considered one of the most tactically gifted players in women’s rugby. It was penalized for remarks made to the press after Toulouse’s 32–24 loss to Stade Bordelais in the Elite 1 final on May 31. Her comments about inconsistent officiating drew disciplinary action. Removing a key leader from France’s matchday squad just as they look to make a statement on the global stage.
Key Fixtures to Miss in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Build-Up
The suspension will see Bourdon Sansus miss France’s final pre-tournament test. Against rivals England on August 9 in Mont-de-Marsan a vital preparation game. More significantly, she will sit out France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 opener against Italy on August 23 at Sandy Park in Exeter. Her absence from the early fixtures could disrupt the team’s rhythm, particularly in terms of tempo and on-field leadership. However, she will return in time for the second group-stage match against Brazil. Offering France an opportunity to reintroduce her creativity as the tournament progresses.
Adjustments Required in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Tactics
As one of France’s most experienced and intelligent players. Bourdon Sansus offers a unique blend of pace, vision, and calm under pressure. Her absence will force France to rethink their tactical approach for the early games of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Grenoble’s Alexandra Chambon and Toulouse’s Océane Bordes are set to share duties at scrum-half. While both are capable, neither boasts the same level of big-match experience. This shift may lead France to simplify their play in the opening stages. Focusing on forward dominance and territory rather than expansive rugby. Also Read Women’s Rugby World Cup Motivation

Mignot Confident Despite Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Setback
Co-head coach Gaëlle Mignot remained calm and measured when discussing Bourdon Sansus’s suspension. At a press conference that launched the team’s final training phase before the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. She emphasized the importance of depth, drawing comparisons to past tournaments. Where key players such as Gabrielle Vernier were unavailable. Mignot noted that building a squad capable of adjusting to setbacks has been central to France’s preparation. Her leadership continues to highlight resilience, encouraging the squad to rely on collective strength rather than individual brilliance.
Player Losses Stack Up in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Context
Bourdon Sansus’s suspension adds to an already concerning list of unavailable players. Including powerful back-rower Romane Ménager, who confirmed in May that she would take a six-month break from the game due to recurring head injuries. Ménager, a World Cup veteran and one of France’s most physical forwards. Played a pivotal role in previous campaigns. Her absence will be deeply felt, particularly at the breakdown and in defence. She has also revealed future plans to focus more on sevens, signalling a gradual shift away from the XVs format.
Mental Strength a Focus Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Despite setbacks, co-captains Marine Ménager and Manae Feleu exude confidence. Highlighting how the squad is focused on unity, resilience, and growth ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Ménager, who will retire after the tournament, explained that the group has matured over a three-year cycle. And 2025 represents the final chapter of their collective evolution. With a renewed focus on mental preparation. Through individual psychological training, team-building exercises. And mindfulness routines France hopes to blend emotional intelligence with elite athleticism on the world’s biggest stage.

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Spotlight Brightens on France’s Women’s Squad
The visibility of the French women’s team has surged following their strong Six Nations campaign. And Marine Ménager acknowledged the growing media and public interest. While she admits that such attention brings pressure. She also welcomes it as a sign of progress in the women’s game. Notably, she shared that the reaction after their loss to England was overwhelmingly positive. With fans sending messages of support and pride. This recognition has helped foster a sense of purpose and national backing that could prove vital during the emotional highs and lows of a World Cup.
Preparation Strategies Remain on Track
France’s coaching staff has doubled down on structured preparation. Blending physical intensity with tactical clarity. The players have focused on game-specific drills, video analysis. And simulating match-day scenarios to ensure readiness. Ménager noted that while the physical component has always been strong. The team has sharpened its off-field systems this year. Such as pre-match planning, nutrition routines, and sleep strategies. These elements reflect a professional culture increasingly aligned with the best in the global women’s game.
Tactical Readiness for a Tricky Italian Test
Opening their campaign against Italy will be no easy feat, according to co-captain Manae Feleu. Italy, known for their unpredictable, ball-in-hand style. They have steadily improved over the past few years and share a similar tactical philosophy with France. Feleu pointed out that Italy’s ability to shift gears quickly and exploit broken play could pose problems if France is not defensively disciplined. Starting the tournament against such a side forces France to be sharp from the first whistle. Potentially setting the tone for their entire campaign.

Challenging Diversity in Opponents Ahead
France’s group-stage schedule is anything but straightforward. Co-coach David Ortiz emphasized that while Italy plays a similar style. Other teams in the group bring vastly different strengths. South Africa offers a bruising, direct approach that will test France’s physical resilience. While Brazil remains a wildcard, with minimal prior exposure making them difficult to scout. Ortiz views the variety as a strategic opportunity. Allowing the coaching staff to test different combinations and improve adaptability before the knockout rounds.
Strong Foundation Built from the Six Nations
Mignot and her coaching team have repeatedly referenced the 2024 Six Nations campaign. As a turning point in the squad’s development. Despite falling short against England, the lessons learned in that contest revealed how close France is to matching the very best. Improved handling under pressure, more controlled kicking tactics. And tighter defensive structure were all areas targeted since that match. With the right tweaks, Mignot believes this France squad could become a formidable title contender.
Personal Milestones Add to Team Spirit
Beyond rugby, personal moments are helping to cement bonds within the squad. Marine Ménager revealed she is getting married just weeks before the tournament begins. Calling it a rugby wedding and joking that a screen might be set up to show the Top 14 final during the celebration. These moments of joy and connection outside of the game are helping to create a tight-knit culture. One that could prove as important as tactics or fitness when France takes to the field in pursuit of glory.

Eticketing.co gives football supporters the opportunity to buy Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Tickets at unbeatable prices. Fans can take advantage of exclusive offers, ensuring they reserve their seats for the most important match of the year without straining their budget. Enjoy a streamlined ticket-buying experience and feel the excitement of the final showdown with us.