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
England national rugby union team two tries to one drop goal. In those early days there was no points system, it was only after 1890 that a format allowing the introduction of a points system was provided. Up until 1875 international rugby matches were decided by the number of goals scored (conversions and dropped goals), but from 1876 the number of tries scored could be used to decide a match if teams were level on goals. In 1875, England played their first game against the Irish at the Oval, winning by one goal, one drop goal and one try to nil; the match was Ireland's