Manae Feleu to Lead XV de France Féminin Into 2026 Six Nations Opener
The wait is over for French rugby fans. Today, April 11, 2026, the XV de France féminin kicks off its campaign in the Women’s Six Nations with a high-stakes clash against Italy. The match takes place at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, a fitting venue given that the French captain, Manae Feleu, calls the city her professional home.
Leading the charge for a squad hungry for redemption, Feleu steps into the captaincy during a pivotal era for the national team. Under the guidance of head coach François Ratier, the French side is aiming to reclaim a title that has eluded them since 2018. The atmosphere in Grenoble is expected to be electric as the “Bleues” glance to set a dominant tone for the rest of the tournament.
The Surgeon of the Scrum: Who is Manae Feleu?
To understand the leadership of the XV de France féminin, one must look at the unique trajectory of Manae Feleu. Born in Mâcon on February 3, 2000, Feleu’s journey to the captaincy is as unconventional as it is impressive. She grew up on the Futuna Islands, where her parents—the only physical education teachers on the island—introduced rugby to the local schools and established the first clubs.
Her development took a global turn at age 14 when she moved to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, studying at Woodford House for three years. This exposure to the birthplace of modern rugby excellence provided a technical foundation that has served her well in the lock position. In 2020, Feleu moved to Grenoble to pursue a degree in medicine, balancing the grueling demands of rugby training with the rigors of becoming a surgeon.
Since her international debut against England on November 14, 2020, Feleu has become a cornerstone of the French pack. Her career has spanned the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the 2025 World Cup in England, marking her as a seasoned veteran despite her relatively young age. According to biographical records, she currently plays for FC Grenoble Amazones, making today’s match in Grenoble a homecoming of sorts.
A Squad in Transition: Ratier’s New Vision
Coach François Ratier enters this tournament with a clear mandate: modernize the squad even as maintaining the physical dominance France is known for. The group of 32 players called up to Marcoussis for preparation reflects a strategic blend of veteran stability and fresh blood.
The squad is anchored by Pauline Bourdon-Sansus, the most capped player in the group with 71 selections. However, Ratier is not afraid to gamble on untapped potential. The current roster includes ten players who have yet to earn a single international cap, signaling a shift toward a broader talent pool and a willingness to integrate new energy into the system.
The influence of France’s top-tier clubs is evident in the selections. The “Élite 1” powerhouse clubs are heavily represented, with the squad featuring:
- Bordeaux: 11 players
- Toulouse: 8 players
- Clermont: 5 players
Note for global readers: The French “Élite 1” is the highest level of domestic competition for women’s rugby union in France, serving as the primary feeder for the national team.
The Road to the Stade des Alpes
The lead-up to today’s opener has been defined by intense preparation. The staff conducted two extensive training camps at Marcoussis, allowing Ratier to conduct a wide review of the available personnel and establish the team’s tactical strengths. The focus has been on cohesive set-pieces and a high-tempo attacking game capable of breaking down the Italian defense.
For Feleu, the captaincy is not just a title but a responsibility to bridge the gap between the experienced “tauliers” like Bourdon-Sansus and the ten newcomers. Her experience in New Zealand and her academic discipline as a medical student provide her with a unique perspective on leadership and pressure management.
The match against Italy represents more than just the first two points on the table; it is the inauguration of Ratier’s mandate. With the tournament having escaped the French since 2018, the pressure is on to deliver a performance that justifies the recent squad overhaul.
Key Match Details
Fans following the action today should keep an eye on the line-out and the breakdown, where Feleu’s presence as a lock will be critical. The Stade des Alpes provides a home-field advantage for the captain, and the local support is expected to be a driving force for the French side.
For those tracking the roster, the official FFR profiles provide detailed statistics on the players involved in this campaign.
Quick Facts: XV de France Féminin 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Captain | Manae Feleu |
| Head Coach | François Ratier |
| Squad Size | 32 Players |
| Most Capped Player | Pauline Bourdon-Sansus (71 caps) |
| Opening Opponent | Italy |
| Venue | Stade des Alpes, Grenoble |
The XV de France féminin now stands at a crossroads. With a blend of surgical precision in leadership and a refreshed roster, they seek to finish a nearly eight-year drought of Six Nations titles. The journey begins today in Grenoble.
Next Checkpoint: Following the conclusion of the France-Italy match, the FFR is expected to release the official match report and updated standings for the Women’s Six Nations.
Do you feel Manae Feleu can lead France back to the top of the Six Nations? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
