PARIS – The drama of the 2026 Six Nations Championship extended beyond the pitch and into the voting booths of Roubaix, France, this weekend. A local resident, clearly inspired by the heroics of French fullback Thomas Ramos, submitted a ballot in the municipal elections featuring a photograph of the match-winning kicker.
Ramos secured a dramatic victory for France over England on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with a last-gasp penalty kick in Paris. The penalty, scored in the dying moments of the match, sealed a 48-46 win for Les Bleus and retained their Six Nations title. The match, a 13-try thriller, saw England mount a spirited comeback, but ultimately fall short against a determined French side. As Ramos himself noted after the match, “These are the moments you live for as a kicker. The tension is at its maximum.”
The gesture by the Roubaix voter, first reported by journalist Bruno Renoul of La Voix du Nord on social media, highlights the profound impact Ramos’s performance had on fans across the country. While the photograph on the ballot wouldn’t alter the election results, it served as a powerful expression of admiration for the player who delivered a championship-winning moment.
A Last-Minute Triumph for France
The 2026 Six Nations culminated in a breathtaking finale. France entered the final match against England knowing that a win would secure the title, following Ireland’s earlier victory over Scotland. The pressure was immense, and the match lived up to the hype, delivering a relentless back-and-forth contest. Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored four tries for France, while Ollie Chessum touched down twice for England in a display of attacking prowess from both sides. England, having struggled earlier in the tournament, showcased a significant improvement, running in seven tries overall.
Despite England’s strong performance, a late penalty try and a yellow card for Ellis Genge gave France an advantage. However, Tommy Freeman’s try with just three minutes remaining appeared to have snatched victory for the visitors. It was then that Ramos stepped up, calmly slotting the penalty kick through the posts as time expired, sparking jubilant celebrations among the French team and their supporters. The final score of 48-46 reflected the incredibly tight nature of the contest.
Ramos: A Rising Star in French Rugby
Thomas Ramos, born July 23, 1995, has become a pivotal figure for both Toulouse and the French national team. Currently playing as a fullback for Top 14 club Toulouse, Ramos has consistently demonstrated his skill and composure under pressure. His recent successes include kicking the winning penalty in the 2024-25 Champions Cup quarter-finals against Toulon and securing the Top 14 title with Toulouse in June 2025, again with a decisive penalty kick in extra time.
Ramos’s international career began in 2019, and he has quickly established himself as a key player for France. He was part of the French squad that won the Grand Slam during the 2022 Six Nations and finished as the top scorer in the 2023 Six Nations, despite France finishing second overall. As of March 14, 2026, Ramos has earned 52 caps for France, accumulating 563 points. His ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his match-winning kick against England, makes him a vital asset to the French team.
Municipal Elections in Roubaix
The unusual ballot submission occurred during the first round of municipal elections in Roubaix. Initial results indicate a competitive race. David Guiraud, a deputy affiliated with the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) party, led with 46.64% of the vote. Incumbent Mayor Alexandre Garcin (center-right) secured 20.09%, while Karim Amrouni (Socialist Party) and Céline Sayah (National Rally) received 16.76% and 11.87% respectively. A second round of voting will be necessary to determine the next mayor of Roubaix.
While the symbolic gesture of the Ramos ballot won’t impact the election outcome, it underscores the power of sport to capture the public imagination and inspire passionate support. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of political processes, the achievements of national heroes can resonate deeply with citizens.
France will now look ahead to future challenges, building on the momentum of their Six Nations victory. The team’s next confirmed fixture is yet to be announced, but fans will eagerly await the opportunity to see Thomas Ramos and Les Bleus back in action.
What do you think of this unique show of support for Thomas Ramos? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
