Two Rugby World Cup finals but no wins, that is France for you. For years they have dined at international rugby union's top table but the game's ultimate accolade has thus far eluded them.

When it comes to international rugby in the northern hemisphere, however, France can look back with pride on their many successes, those most savoured by Les Bleus fans being when they put one over fierce rivals England on the way to another Grand Slam.

Rugby was introduced into France by the British back in 1872 and the locals were soon showing a natural aptitude for the game.

They played their first recognised Test match in 1906 against New Zealand and were invited to become members of the Five Nations (now Six Nations) tournament in 1910.

Since then they have made a major impact on the tournament, winning it outright on 14 occasions which includes eight Grand Slams. They have also shared the trophy eight times.

Aside from legendary full-back Serge Blanco, France's most famous former player is arguably the supremely gifted centre Philippe Sella.

French coaches have always been renowned for chopping and changing their line-ups which makes it all the more remarkable that Sella managed to amass 111 caps for his country.