France Coach Fabien Galthié Opens Up on the Disappointment of World Cup Quarter-Final Exit

France national rugby team head coach Fabien Galthié grimaces as he holds a press conference on November 8, 2023 in Paris after his team's World Cup exit in quarter-finals. FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Over three weeks have passed since France's heart-wrenching quarter-final defeat against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup, and coach Fabien Galthié, on November 8, finally shared his thoughts on the lasting impact of the loss, referring to it as a "scar that will stay with us for life."

Hosts France entered the tournament as one of the favorites, only to face a thrilling quarter-final clash where they lost 29-28 to the eventual champions. Galthié, who had maintained silence since the night of the October 15 defeat, expressed the profound disappointment, stating, "For us, it was a time of mourning." This setback came after four years of hard work, marked by significant achievements, with an impressive 80% win record and several records broken.

"The only objective we wanted to achieve was to be world champions. There was no other. It would have been the same disappointment if we'd lost in the semi-final by one point," Galthié reflected. "The difference is that we would have had an extra week. The difference is enormous because we wanted to experience these moments that we've been working toward for four years."

Having taken over as coach in December 2019, Galthié successfully reinvigorated an under-achieving French team. Following the World Cup exit, the 54-year-old coach, along with team manager Raphael Ibanez, defense coach Shaun Edwards, and scrum specialist William Servat, signed a new contract until June 2028, allowing them to set their sights on the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Galthié remains committed to the high-octane playing style that has come to epitomize his coaching tenure. "Tactically and strategically, if I had to do it again, I'd do the same thing," he asserted. French rugby fans can expect more of the same as the team looks forward to the upcoming Six Nations, opening against 2023 Grand Slam winners Ireland in Marseille on February 2.

As France copes with the aftermath of the World Cup defeat, Galthié's revelations provide insight into the emotional toll and the resilience needed to move forward. The scar left by the quarter-final loss is a poignant reminder of the fine margins in sports and the challenges faced in the pursuit of rugby glory.