The French U20 rugby team has claimed the Six Nations U20 tournament title for the first time since 2018, thanks to their nail-biting 45-40 victory over Scotland at the Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris, on March 14, 2025. The championship was also marked by England's surprising defeat at the hands of Wales, who emerged victorious with a score of 23-13, leaving the path wide open for the Bleuets to secure the title.
Right from the kick-off, France set the tone for the match. Simeli Daunivucu scored the first try just 50 seconds after the whistle, following a spectacular play initiated by fullback Jon Echegaray, who was later named man of the match. Daunivucu's quick score lifted the crowd and sent the French team on the offensive. The conversion by Jean Cotarmanac'h gave France an early lead of 7-0.
Scotland responded almost immediately, with Jack Brown scoring their first try only five minutes later, making it 7-5 after Matthew Urwin successfully converted. France's defense was tested when Antoine Chalus-Cercy received a yellow card for a high tackle, forcing the squad to play with 14 men. Despite the setback, the Bleuets showed resilience and managed to score again, with Lyam Akrab finding the try zone after some deft passing from his teammates, once again converted by Cotarmanac'h.
Matthew Urwin brought Scotland closer by kicking another penalty, but this was quickly answered by Baptiste Tilloles’ try, which extended France's lead. Leading 19-12, the first half saw both teams exchanging blows, with Scotland's Ollie Blyth-Lafferty scoring to narrow the margin before halftime saw France up 26-21.
After the break, Scotland came out strong and tried to exploit the gaps, but France's relentless attack scored yet again through Jon Echegaray, who capitalized on defensive errors, bringing the score to 31-21. Echegaray's try showcased France’s attacking prowess, yet the Scots were not finished. They rallied with Cameron van Wyk scoring another try, keeping the contest alive at 31-29.
The tension built as both teams battled fiercely for dominance on the field. Eventually, Jean Cotarmanac'h scored his try and converted it, giving the French team a stronger cushion at 38-29. With the clock winding down, Scotland’s Freddy Douglas crossed for yet another try, bringing the match to 40-37 late on. A drop goal from Urwin gave Scotland one final hope, closing the gap to just five points.
Despite Scotland’s desperate attempts to level the score, including aggressive plays to breach France’s organized defense, the Bleuets held on. A final penalty from the Scots, which was sent wide, sealed the match, confirming France as champions of the Six Nations U20 tournament.
Cédric Laborde, coach of the French U20 team, reflected on the dramatic evening. “C'était assez spectaculaire comme soirée avec cette équipe galloise qui bat l'Angleterre et nous, on enchaîne les essais, et à la fin, on a senti un peu de stress, car on se dit qu'on ne veut pas rater ce titre. Ce titre représente beaucoup,” he stated, emphasizing the depth and quality of the squad. Laborde noted his team had called upon 40 players throughout the tournament, demonstrating their strength and readiness.
This victory marks not only the end of France’s six-year wait for the U20 title but sets the stage for their aspirations at the upcoming U20 World Championship scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 19, 2025, across cities in Italy. Having shown such form, the French hope to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for the global event, intending to add another trophy to their cabinet.
With the tournament now concluded, the standings show France finishing first with 20 points, followed closely by England at 18 points. The complete standings reflect the results: 1 - France (20 points), 2 - England (18), 3 - Wales (12), 4 - Italy (10), 5 - Scotland (7), 6 - Ireland (6). The stage has been set for yet another exciting chapter in youth rugby as the French team looks to reclaim their position on the world stage.