Rugby union in France Six Nations games, as well as France's home internationals, such as those that are played during the latter stages of the year in November. Matches from the Top 14 are broadcast by the premium pay television channel Canal+, which also broadcasts many other rugby union competitions, including the Southern Hemisphere's Rugby Championship, between Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Matches from the Pro D2 are broadcast by Sport+, Eurosport and France 3 for local derbies Rugby union in France Rugby union in France is a popular team sport. Rugby union was first introduced in the early 1870s by British
Field goal (rugby) Northern Rugby Football Union broke away from the RFU, both codes' governing bodies retained the field goal. While the RFU abolished the field goal in rugby union in 1905, rugby league retained it. However, there was criticism about it on the 1908-09 Australia rugby league tour of Britain, whereby the Australia national rugby league team player Dally Messenger continuously and recklessly attempted field goals during a match against the England national rugby league team. A writer for the "Daily Chronicle" stated "I do not believe in the speculator at any time, it is bad rugby football" and expressed concern that