Double honor for the Blues of rugby. Damian Penaud and Emilie Boulard both received on Monday from World Rugby, the International Federation, the prize for the most beautiful essay of the year.
The Clermont winger, French international (28 caps) was rewarded for his try against Scotland registered in the last match of the Six Nations tournament on March 26 at the Stade de France. After a relaunch from the 22 French meters, then a pass after contact from Virimi Vakatawa, Damian Penaud had turned into a footballer by kicking a ball over the Scottish defense before flattening in the opposing in-goal. A test which had contributed to the victory of the Blues that day (27-23).
Sublime essay by Damian Penaud! The XV of France now takes off and leads by 8 points following the first failure tonight of Romain Ntamack (18-10)!
▶ Follow the match live: https://t.co/LkDveUYp2S#FRAvSCO #SixNations pic.twitter.com/hyk3nPfMYf
– francetvsport (@francetvsport) March 26, 2021
Emilie Boulard (6 caps) stood out in the women’s category with a try scored for her international debut against Wales (53-0) on April 3 in Vannes. At the start of the action, she had accelerated on the left wing to stand out, recover the ball after a skilful collective work and flatten in the corner by resisting a tackle from a Welshwoman.
A collective test to savor
You have chosen Émilie Boulard’s exceptional essay for @FranceRugby against Wales as Women’s Try of the Year 2021 @IntRugbyPlayers#WorldRugbyAwards
: @ Womens6Nations pic.twitter.com/5yIb8AxR5Z
– World Rugby FR (@WorldRugby_FR) December 6, 2021
The honors may not be over for the French. Antoine Dupont is nominated to be voted best world player of the year. The 25-year-old scrum-half, champion of France and Europe with Stade Toulousain last season, is appointed alongside the Briton Maro Itoje and Australians Michael Hooper and Samu Kerevi.
In women, Laure Sansus, player of the Stade Toulousain, and Caroline Boujard, who wears the colors of Montpellier, are among the candidates. Verdict on December 10.