Chessum explains criticised try finish in England defeat to France

Ollie Chessum received criticism for not touching down closer to the posts for England's fifth try against France in the Six Nations on Saturday

Ollie Chessum scored two tries for England against France. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Ollie Chessum admitted the fear he was about to be caught by Louis Bielle-Biarrey was the reason he did not touch down closer to the posts for England's fifth try against France on Saturday.

England were trailing 38-27 when Chessum intercepted a Mathieu Jalibert pass in the 51st minute and raced towards the French line. Fin Smith missed the conversion with Chessum receiving plenty of criticism for not making the kick easier by grounding the ball further infield. 

England eventually lost to a late Thomas Ramos penalty, with France’s two-point victory enough to lift them above Ireland and seal the Six Nations title.

"I was adamant that there was a red scrum hat lurking in the background that was going to bring me down," said Chessum, referencing France's flying winger Bielle-Biarrey.

"So I just pinned my ears back and hoped that no-one managed to grab on to my coattails and bring me to the floor.

"I've copped a lot of stick, I think, for not heading toward the posts. My brother's sent me a few things, but it was unfamiliar territory for me to be in a line-break situation like that.

"I'm sure Fin would have thanked me for it being a bit closer, but I can't turn back the clock now."

Though England performed well against France, it was their fourth defeat of the Six Nations.

“The way we prepared for the performance last weekend was the way we prepare every week,” said Chessum. “We’ve got a group that is incredibly dedicated and work hard for each other, are incredibly tight and I think we got back at the weekend to somewhere near where we want to be.

“Obviously the result didn’t go our way, but the way we approached that game is the [same] way we approached the last four or five of this tournament. We were just better and there was more life about us and that performance gives not only supporters but as players too, the reassurance that we are the team we know we can be.”

Ollie Chessum with the interception 🤩 💪

Edge of your seat stuff in paris!#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/njenulNTxr

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026