World Footy News

After a successful 2013-2014 season the French Coqs are returning to Australia to take part in their second IC. The team is eager to build on their great results in last year's Axios Euro Cup, where they finished in second place.

In 2011, the Coqs impressed the crowds with their performances on and off the field, finishing second of Division 2 and by introducing the world to a very unique celebration. They will no doubt try to improve their luck this year.

The country and footy

Although some games have been played by ANZAC soldier during WW1, Australian football in France only took off in the late 2000's. After a brief stint in the 90's in Paris and Normandy, the first established team started to appear around 2005 with the creation of the Strasbourg Kangouroux. This was followed by teams in the southern half of France a few laters and the first official competition was held in 2008. Since then footy in France has steadily grown and now boasts 7 well established teams peppered throughout the country. In the last couple of years women teams have also made their apparition but they won't be travelling to Australia just yet.

On the international scene, France has been present to most of the major European competitions since the 2005 Euro Cup in London and have enjoy many great success. The last in date, finishing second of the 2013 Axios Euro Cup at home in Bordeaux. The team first travelled to the Australia for the IC11 where they had an impressive run in Division 2 culminating with a second place.

As a testament to the progress of the domestic competition, all the french clubs will be represented in this year IC squad, with only 6 players honing their skills overseas (2 Aus, 2 Canada, 1 USA, 1 England). In addition, a sizeable number of players took part in the previous edition of the IC and will no doubt share their experience with the newcomers.

Strength and weaknesses

France faces a tough start to the competition. They will first face the GB Bulldogs, and then the Irish Warriors. They hope to carry the momentum of their great results at last year Euro cup. They will also rely on the expert advice of Richmond Tiger’s player, Daniel Jackson who got involved with French footy after the IC11.

The cohesion and passion that the French players display on and off the field will no doubt be their greatest assets, and although they are not ready to take on the big teams just yet, they have the potential to create some major upsets.

Players to watch

Midfielders Alban Scheiber and Joevin L'Hotellier, who have been very impressive in recent years during the Euro Cups.

Gregoire Patacq, the towering team captain, who will be returning for his second IC.

2013 AFL Quebec All Star Clement Coste, who will be put to the test in the ruck.

Squad :

ALLIOT-MARTY Yoann

BARBARIA Yvan

BARRANCO Kévin

BERNAD Anthony

CANONICI Jérôme

CASSAVETTI Stephen

COCHET Thomas

COSTE Clément

DANDALEIX Pierre-Etienne

DAVID Adrien

DENERF Jérôme

DEPONDT Thomas

GIL Julien

LABIGANG Pierre-Jacques

L’HOTELLIER Joévin

MARTINEZ Emilien

MAYLIE Sylvain

MENDOZA Valentin

MONDIN Simon

PATACQ Grégoire

PICARD Thibault

RAMDANI Amine

ROSADO Jean

SCHIEBER Alban

TAPIA William

TIEFENBACH Henri

UBEDA Raphaël

VIDAL Florian