Paul Rouse: How France v Ireland became a sporting and cultural spectacle

Rugby internationals between the two countries began again in 1920 when France won for the first time in Dublin.

Ireland Rugby Through the Years 1914 Ireland vs France The Ireland team. Pic: ©INPHO/IRFU Collection

Shortly before 3.30pm on March 20, 1909, the band of the Dublin Metropolitan Police struck up ‘La Marseillaise’ and the French international team ran out onto the pitch at Lansdowne Road for the first time. Soon afterwards, they were joined by the Irish team who were greeted by huge cheers. Hundreds of French supporters were in Dublin to see the first match between the two countries. They took horse-drawn carriages and trams out to Lansdowne Road as part of a crowd estimated at more than 5,000. In the end, the Irish won comfortably, but a first step had been taken in what would prove to be a magnificent rivalry.

That match was not actually the first time French rugby players had come to Dublin. That accolade belongs to Stade Français, who played against Dublin University in College Park back in 1900. That match had also resulted in an easy victory for the Irish students.