Navy women concede nine tries in heavy Le Crunch defeat to French Marine Nationale

The women's Royal Navy rugby union team have been heavily beaten by the French Marine Nationale in the 2025 Le Crunch match.

The French ran in nine tries in a blistering performance in Havant, winning 53-5 in their annual encounter.

Jess Bryan scored the Navy's only try as their preparations for the 2025 Inter Service championship were stung in a heavy defeat.

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Manon Leduc scored the opening try after powering through the Navy defence from a quick pass by Morgane Garo, but Mélissa Bergeron couldn't convert.

It was soon 12-0 to the French with Florianne Froger next to cross the line and this time, Bergeron's kick went between the sticks.

The French onslaught continued in the first half, despite Jasmine Abel's superb tackle on the try line, and Zoe Sage scored another unconverted try to bring the score to 17-0.

A high tackle saw Navy star Rowann Sinclair sent to the sin bin but the Navy rallied in her absence. Bryan got the ball down after a well-worked Navy line out in the corner.

That just kicked the French back into action as they dotted down two more first half tries to lead 29-5 at the break through Bergeron and their skipper Clémence Rypen.

The second half saw the Navy hustle for every opportunity and try to frustrate the French attack, but the pacy wingers still find a way through. 

Inès Cotsis, Froger's second try, Assia Lesaulnier and Charlotte Barralon made the French score look even more impressive.