'This Grand Slam will count in the construction of this team'

France view Saturday night's Championship success a stepping stone to greater things at next year's World Cup.

France celebrate winning the Guinness Six Nations

How do you celebrate a first Six Nations title - a first Grand Slam - in 12 years? In France’s case, with joy confined.

After the initial burst of emotion when referee Jaco Peyper signalled the end of Saturday evening’s match, as several weeks of ever-mounting pressure finally escaped all at once, the French squad were soon back on message.