Six Nations: Laporte hails Grand Slam heroes

France coach Bernard Laporte paid a glowing tribute to his Grand Slam winners this afternoon and warned their southern hemisphere rivals that they would improve before next year’s World Cup.

Having beaten the best Europe have to offer, the World Cup is the next target for the French.

And after victories against South Africa, Australia and Fiji last autumn, they will go to Australasia among the favourites for next year’s title.

But Laporte was first happy to celebrate today’s 44-5 victory over Ireland which completed the first ever Six Nations Grand Slam.

‘‘We really deserved that win and the Grand Slam,’’ he said.

After France’s injury problems during the tournament, Laporte added: ‘‘I want to pay tribute to our doctors as well as to the technical staff, but above all to Fabien Galthie and the team.

‘‘What they did today is great for French rugby.

‘‘We’ll have more challenges to come, the World Cup is in 18 months and we should not think too fast.

‘‘This team was born nine months ago and they will keep progressing and we’ll do all we can to make it progress faster and faster.’’

The French were terrific at the Stade de France today, claiming their third Grand Slam in six years as the Irish failed to cope with their electric running rugby.

And Laporte stressed the importance of sealing their Six Nations sweep for French rugby as a whole.

‘‘Two months ahead of the football World Cup, it was important to promote our sport,’’ he said.

‘‘The players are clever which makes the strength of the group. This team has a soul and what they did today is simply fabulous.’’