Other Rugby Clubs and Barbarians
This Other Clubs page is dedicated to the French Barbarians, the Barbarian Rugby Club formed in 1979 based on the model of the British team: their home kit and their ball signed Gilbert, for supporters of a team without a league, made up by invitation and always committed to the game of movement.
The spirit of sharing rugby.
Barbarian Rugby Club: the French Barbarians since 1979
The Barbarian Rugby Club was founded in 1979 by a group of internationals including Jean-Pierre Rives, to bring the spirit of the British Barbarians to France. Its first match, played in Agen against Scotland, ended in a victory of twenty-six to twenty-two. The team has no fixed stadium or squad: each match brings together invited players from different clubs and sometimes different nations. Since 2017, it has received the status of official second national team and competes against foreign teams on tour.
The other clubs
Rugby clubs are also divided into:
All clubs are gathered on the clubs page.
Club socks under the Barbarians' jersey
The tradition comes from the Barbarian Football Club, founded in 1890 by William Percy Carpmael, who dreamed of a touring team made up of invited players. The black and white striped jersey was adopted the very next year. An unwritten rule states that each player must keep their own club socks, a reminder of their roots amid a team for just one day. The most famous try in their history, scored by Gareth Edwards against the All Blacks in Cardiff in January 1973 following a long series of passes, remains the symbol of the counter-attack style that the French Barbarians also claim.
Home jersey and Gilbert ball of the Barbarian Rugby Club
The home jersey of the Barbarian Rugby Club reflects the team's identity and is worn in the stands during gala matches, at the club-house or in friendly tournaments. Fitted like match jerseys, it is chosen in the usual size or one size up for a looser fit. The Gilbert ball in the Barbarians' colours is used for Sunday passes as much as for the collection. Gilbert, which started in 1823 in the workshop of a cobbler near Rugby School, is one of the oldest rugby ball manufacturers in the world.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlight of the year follows a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
How does one become a Barbarian player?
Only by invitation: there are no applications or licenses for the club. Selectors call players for a specific match, depending on their form, state of mind, and desire to play attacking rugby.
Do the French Barbarians play in a championship?
No, they only play one-off matches against national teams on tour or during prestigious encounters. Free from any ranking, they prioritise attack and the joy of playing, which adds to the charm of their outings.
What's the difference between the British and French Barbarians?
The Barbarian Football Club, founded in 1890, is the ancestor of all teams of this type. The Barbarian Rugby Club, created in 1979, adopted the principle of invitation and the offensive spirit, with its own colours and traditions.
Why are the Barbarians nicknamed the Baa-Baas?
This is the affectionate nickname given by the British to the Barbarian Football Club, derived from the first syllables of its name. It has spread throughout the rugby world to refer to this invitational team and its style of play.
Can the Barbarians' ball be used to play?
Yes, it's a Gilbert ball designed for playing, although it often ends up on a shelf. Inflate it to the pressure indicated near the valve, and rinse and dry it after a muddy match.
