Between heritage, demands and ambition as the World Cup approaches
The French Rugby League Federation opens a new chapter for the French Women's Team with the appointment of Alan Walsh as coach. With a rich and international background, deeply rooted in the culture of rugby league, the Anglo-French technician arrives with a clear vision: to continue the work undertaken while preparing the group for the demands of the very high level, nine months before the World Cup.
A journey forged in the heart of rugby league
Originally from Wigan, the true cradle of rugby league in England, Alan Walsh grew up in an environment where this sport is much more than a discipline: a culture, an identity. Player then coach, he evolved at different levels in England before choosing, in 1999, to settle in France to experience a new sporting and human adventure.
It was in Montpellier that he discovered French rugby union, winning several titles and laying the foundations for a journey which would then take him to Australia, to Adelaide, before returning to France in Avignon. Forced to end his high-level playing career due to injuries, he naturally turned to training.
In Villeneuve Minervois, then within FCL XIII and Carcassonne XIII, Alan Walsh established himself as a recognized educator, involved in the training of young people as well as in the supervision of ambitious senior groups. Champion with the U19s, assistant at the highest level with Carcassonne, head coach in a project focused on youth, he develops a global vision of the game, from training to high level.
His experience continues within the staff of the French U19 team, including a notable tour to Australia, which further strengthens his understanding of international rugby and the potential of French rugby union.
Taking office guided by a human and sporting project
It is this wealth of experience and this human sensitivity that led Alan Walsh to accept the position of coach of the French Women’s Team. Seduced by the current dynamic of women's rugby union, he highlights the investment, ambition and constant progression of the players.
“It is above all a human and sporting project that convinced me. I felt a real desire for continuity and structure, and I wanted to be fully involved in this collective adventure,” he explains.
Taking charge of a national team represents an honor for him, but above all a responsibility: that of serving the team, the players and the tricolor jersey, with humility and high standards.
Be part of the legacy of Romain Maillot
Alan Walsh succeeds Romain Maillot, whose work and mark he leaves on the selection he salutes. “The group is structured, the identity is affirmed, the foundations are solid,” he emphasizes.
Surrounded in particular by Loïc and Julien, he is clearly part of a logic of continuity. The objective is not to revolutionize, but to adjust and evolve certain aspects of the game, in particular the management of highlights, precision and efficiency in relation to international standards.
A demanding vision of the game adapted to female players
Alan Walsh wants to build a committed, disciplined and ambitious team, capable of imposing its pace while demonstrating tactical intelligence. Her philosophy is clear: adapt the game system to the qualities of the players, and not the other way around.
“I want to get the best out of everyone. I like a game that is moving, structured, based on solid fundamentals,” he explains.
Among the key principles he wants to see embodied: intensity, solidarity, defensive rigor, technical mastery and the ability to play well under pressure. So many essential fundamentals to perform at the highest level.
A transition based on trust and clarity
In this context of transition, Alan Walsh focuses on listening, transparency and consistency. Each player must know where she stands and what the staff expects of her.
Demanding but educational, accessible and attentive to details, he favors daily work, observation and technical and tactical progression. Her first experience during the East/West match has already allowed her to measure the desire of the players to learn and progress.
The World Cup in sight
Nine months before the World Cup, the coach approaches the deadline with lucidity and enthusiasm. The group exists, the foundations are there: it is now a matter of optimizing each gathering.
The priority areas of work will be cohesion, the intensity of training content and the strengthening of fundamentals in attack and defense. The objective is twofold: to be ready for the 2026 World Cup, while building for the long term, particularly with a view to the 2030 deadline.
On a sporting level, the ambition is clear: to be competitive at each meeting, to embody the values of French rugby union and to continue to advance the discipline on the international scene.
A collective at the heart of the project
Alan Walsh insists on the importance of collective work with the federal staff and the clubs. International performance is based on consistency, communication and trust between all stakeholders.
Competition within the group will be encouraged, in a balance between experience and youth, with an openness to new deserving profiles.
Making the French team a driving force for women’s development
Beyond the results, the French Women's Team must be a driver of development, a source of inspiration and a symbol of valorization of the work of clubs and educators.
With this in mind, Alan Walsh wishes in particular to work towards the creation of a French U19 women's team, in order to support young players, reward the commitment of clubs and offer future generations the honor of wearing the tricolor jersey.
A strong message to conclude
To the players, the message is clear:
“Wearing the tricolor jersey is a privilege and an honor. It is earned every day, through work, investment and respect for the collective. »
To supporters and partners, he reminds the importance of support for this growing team:
“The daily commitment and work of the players is remarkable. They deserve the respect, support and commitment of all. »
With Alan Walsh at its head, the French Women's Team is embarking on a resolutely positive and ambitious era, focused on performance, the collective and the future of women's rugby union.
