Other clubs, the Barbarians

A team of guests born in 1979

The Barbarian Rugby Club was founded in 1979 by Jean-Claude Skrela, a flanker for the French national team who experienced, towards the end of his career, the spirit of the British Barbarians. The club has no stadium or league: it brings together players from different clubs and nations for a match, invited for their love of the game. Their first match took place on May 1, 1980, at the Armandie stadium in Agen, against Scotland, ending in a victory of 26 to 22. The team also triumphed in 1983 at the Melrose sevens tournament in Scotland, the birthplace of rugby sevens.

The other families

Club products are also available in:

• Top 14 / Pro D2.
• Foreign clubs.
• New arrivals.
• Shipped in 24H.
• Sales.

All clubs are gathered on the clubs page.

Three blues and club socks: the Barbarians shirt

The French Barbarians shirt is recognized by its light blue, navy blue, and royal blue horizontal stripes, a kit that stands out from the black and white of their British counterparts. Only the socks break this harmony: each guest wears the ones from their club of origin, a tradition inherited from the Barbarians across the Channel that shows where each one comes from. The supporters' version of the shirt, with a comfortable cut, can be worn in the stands or in everyday life; you can choose your usual size or one size up to wear over a layer on cold days.

The Gilbert ball in the colours of the Barbarians

The Gilbert ball of the Barbarians bears the colours and the name of the club. It's a supporters' ball, designed for collection or passes in the garden rather than for competition, where match balls must meet a much stricter specification. It makes a great gift for a player dreaming of being invited one day to wear these colours, for a coach, or for a child discovering rugby. To keep it in good condition, inflate it to the pressure indicated near the valve, wipe it down after use, and store it out of the sun, which can fade the prints.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

What prestigious victories have the French Barbarians achieved?

They notably defeated an Australian selection 19 to 11 in 2016, followed by the Māori All Blacks 19 to 15 in 2017. In matches against the All Blacks, however, they have most often ended in defeat.

Were the Barbarians the second team of France?

Yes, from 2017, the French Federation made them their second official national team, before reversing this decision in 2019. The club then returned to its original role as a team of guests.

Who can be invited to the Barbarians?

Any player, French or foreign, that the club invites for a specific match, whether an established international or a promising prospect. The invitation rewards both the spirit and love of attacking play as well as the player's record.

Which teams do the French Barbarians play against?

Most often against national selections touring Europe, like Scotland during their very first outing or New Zealand multiple times, as well as during exhibition matches. These ranking-free encounters allow for free-flowing play.

What is the difference between the French and British Barbarians?

The British Barbarians, born in 1890, served as a model and play in black and white hoops. The French Barbarians, appearing in 1979, retain the spirit of invitation, along with their own shirt of three blues.