England, the Rose XV

The Crunch, a rivalry born in Paris in 1906

The Crunch is the name given in France to the match against England, the fixture that is ticked off first in the Tournament calendar. The first meeting took place in March 1906 at the Parc des Princes, and the rivalry has continued to grow, leading to World Cup clashes: in 2003, in Sydney, the Rose XV eliminated the Blues in the semi-finals before going on to win the title. In March 2023, France achieved a historic victory at Twickenham, 53 to 10, the heaviest defeat for the English at their home ground. The match is played one year in London, the next in Saint-Denis.

The other nations of the Tournament

The nations of the Tournament are also represented as follows:

• France.
• Ireland.
• Scotland.
• Wales.
• Italy.

All the nations of the Tournament are gathered on the page VI Nations.

The red rose, the drop goal in Sydney, and the Red Roses

The red rose embroidered on the white shirt has accompanied England since its first international match, which was played in 1871 in Edinburgh against Scotland, the very year the English federation, the RFU, was founded. The highlight of its history remains the final of the 2003 World Cup, in Sydney: during extra time against Australia, Jonny Wilkinson scored a drop goal with his right foot in the last minute, 20 to 17, under the captaincy of Martin Johnson. In women's rugby, the Red Roses were crowned world champions in 1994, 2014, and then again in 2025, this last time at Twickenham against Canada, 33 to 13.

Authentic jersey, shorts and World Cup ball

The authentic home jersey replicates the cut and materials of the players: fitted and stretchy, it should be chosen in your usual size if you prefer a snug fit, or one size up for more comfort. The jersey for the 2023 World Cup, held in France, retains the traditional white and recalls the English journey up to the semi-finals, lost by a point against South Africa, 16 to 15. The home shorts complete the outfit for playing or cheering, and the ball in the competition's colours can be kept as a souvenir or used for Sunday passes in the garden.

Good deals

Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new items show the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday late in autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the France-England match played?

The match alternates each year between the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and Twickenham in southwest London. Both venues seat over eighty thousand, making the Crunch one of the most followed matches of the Tournament.

Which players have marked the history of the Rose XV?

Jason Leonard, a prop who played in four World Cups, Rory Underwood, a winger from the eighties and nineties with a keen sense of scoring, and more recently Owen Farrell, fly-half and captain who was long tasked with kicking duties.

Does England have a under-20s team?

Yes, the England under-20s compete every year in their own Six Nations Tournament and the World Rugby Junior Championship, which they won for the first time in 2013. Many internationals had their debut there.

How many spectators can Twickenham hold?

About eighty-two thousand, making it the largest stadium in the world solely dedicated to rugby union. Opened in 1909 in the southwest suburbs of London, it is owned by the English federation, which has its headquarters there.

What is the Calcutta Cup?

The trophy contested by England and Scotland since 1879, the oldest in international rugby. Its handle-shaped cup, adorned with cobras and topped with an elephant, was crafted in India from the melted silver of rupees from a Calcutta club.