FRANCE’S GREATEST RUGBY PLAYERS – PHILLIPE SAINT-ANDRE

Phillipe Saint-Andre, a renowned name in France Rugby, began his illustrious rugby career at US Romanaise. His dedication and talent quickly earned him a move to AS Montferrand in 1988. Over the next decade, Saint-Andre played a pivotal role for Montferrand. He showcased his skills prominently, including appearing in the 1993-94 French Championship final against Toulouse. Although Montferrand did not clinch the title, Saint-Andre’s performance was commendable. In 1997, he crossed the Channel, joining English Premiership club Gloucester. There, he played until his retirement in 1999, leaving an indelible mark on both French and English rugby.

International Debut and Rise – Phillipe Saint-Andre

Phillipe Saint-Andre made his test debut for France in May 1990 against Romania. Despite the team’s loss, Saint-Andre’s potential was evident. His preferred position was wing, and he soon became a regular fixture in the French national team. One of his early highlights was France’s 28-19 victory over Australia in 1990, their first win in Australia since 1972. This match marked the beginning of Saint-Andre’s influential international career.

Consistency and Leadership for France

Moreover, Saint-Andre’s consistency on the field was unmatched. He played in every match of the 1991 Five Nations Championship, emerging as a joint top try scorer. Additionally, he was a key player in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, even though France faced a disappointing quarter-final exit. His leadership qualities were recognized, and he captained France in various significant matches. Under his captaincy, France won the 1993 Five Nations Championship and secured a historic test series win against New Zealand in 1994.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

One of the most iconic moments in Phillipe Saint-Andre’s career was the “try from the end of the world” in 1994. This spectacular counter-attack against New Zealand is etched in rugby history. As a result, Saint-Andre became a legendary figure in France Rugby. Furthermore, he led France to a third-place finish in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, demonstrating his exceptional skills and leadership on the global stage. Throughout his career, he captained France in 34 test matches, winning 25 of them.

Final Years and Legacy

Unfortunately, injuries hampered Saint-Andre’s career towards the end. He missed the 1997 Five Nations Championship, where France achieved a Grand Slam victory. Despite this setback, he returned to play in the FIRA Trophy final against Italy. Saint-Andre’s final international appearance was in November 1997 against South Africa. Although France lost, Saint-Andre’s contributions to the team were invaluable. He ended his international career as France’s second-highest try scorer, with 32 tries to his name.

Celebrating French Rugby

The legacy of Phillipe Saint-Andre and France Rugby is celebrated through the Ellis Rugby Vintage France Rugby collection. This collection includes Polos, T-Shirts, and Rugby Shirts, honoring the great French Rugby teams and their iconic players like Saint-Andre. These stylish pieces not only pay tribute to the rich history of France Rugby but also allow fans to connect with the glorious past of this remarkable sport.