France eyeing successful defence of U20 Six Nations Women's Series

The Herald Scotland

05-07-2025

It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy, and after storming to three wins from three last year, Roboam cannot wait to get going and knows how important good performances could be.
'I'm really excited by this competition,' said the lock, who can also play in the back row.
'It's an unforgettable chance to have an international U20s competition, I was able to play in it last year so I can't wait to see what it's like this year.
'There are lots of opportunities. It will be watched closely by the French team and also by our clubs, so we have to put in a good performance.
'In terms of the preparation for the game against Italy, it's about getting closer as a group, creating a connection and then having the right words to make sure we are all pulling in the same direction.'
Roboam plays domestically for Toulouse, having started playing the sport aged 10, and explained it was a privilege for her and her teammates to be able to progress the game they all feel so passionate about.
'We're lucky to be able to help develop women's rugby,' she continued.'We want to be on the same wavelength to encourage young girls and boys to play rugby and to encourage them to watch us play.
'The World Cup and everything that will come with it is going to be really important for women's rugby. It's impressive and really cool to be part of that.
"Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including standout France winger Kelly Arbey.
And Roboam highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team.
'This tournament is really important because I know the French teams are watching,' she added.
'We all want to catch their eye so that we can get involved in some training camps at least, and then who knows playing some games. If we play well here, it will be a good first step.
'With women's rugby on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans."
Spread across three dates during July, France will also face Ireland on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against England six days later.
Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at sixnationsrugby.com/u6n and on Instagram @u20sixnations.