French hope Six Nations can bring unity in troubled times

Amid the hype and bluster surrounding the Six Nations launch, the French provided a moment of context and a sharp dose of reality.

“Of course,” said Philippe Saint-Andre, their coach, “the Marseillaise before Scotland will be quite emotional with what has happened in our country over these past few weeks.”

It was not hard to realise what he was referring to. Paris is still recovering after a traumatic start to the year, the Charlie Hebdo massacre and the crimes that followed leaving an indelible imprint on France.