France vs. Wales: Six Nations Kickoff Under Paris Lights

PARIS, France – The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicked off Friday night under the lights of Paris’ Stade de France, with France hosting Wales in a highly anticipated opener. The match marked the 25th anniversary of Italy’s inclusion in the tournament, setting the stage for a historic night of rugby.

Wales, led by captain Jac Morgan, entered the game on a 12-match losing streak, while France, captained by Antoine Dupont, aimed to reclaim their dominance after a turbulent build-up. The French team, despite missing key players like Damian Penaud and Gaël Fickou, fielded a star-studded lineup, including the return of Romain Ntamack after an 18-month injury hiatus.

Wales coach Warren Gatland emphasized the importance of restoring pride in the Welsh jersey. “They’ve been outstanding,” Gatland said of his squad. “There’s been a good buzz around the group. The next couple of days, it’s about coaches taking a step back and allowing the players to lead.”

The match began with a minute of applause for former France Under-18 international Medhi Narjissi, who tragically died off a South African beach in August. The national anthems, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” and “La Marseillaise,” followed, with the French crowd delivering a stirring acapella rendition of their anthem.

Rain began to fall in Paris just before kickoff, a factor Gatland believed could level the playing field. “It might help us and even things up,” he said. “It’ll make it more difficult to play.”

France’s Antoine Dupont, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby history, was under the spotlight. “He’s the best player of all time, or at least on his way to becoming the best,” said a commentator on BBC’s Rugby Union Daily. Dupont’s performance was expected to be pivotal in France’s quest for a Grand Slam.

Wales, meanwhile, fielded a mix of experienced players like Liam Williams and Josh Adams alongside debutants, including fly-half Ben Thomas. The team’s recent struggles in the United Rugby Championship (URC) have been a concern, but signs of improvement have emerged, with Cardiff’s strong form this season offering hope.

As the players took the field, the atmosphere in the Stade de France was electric. “If you ever get the chance to watch a rugby match in Paris, you have to take it,” said one observer. “Bucket list stuff.”

The Six Nations, known for its ability to lift spirits during the winter months, promises another thrilling tournament. With every team having something to prove and the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever. Kickoff was scheduled for 21:15 local time (20:15 BST).