Louis Bielle-Biarrey Eyes Olympic Sevens Glory with France at LA 2028
Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the rising star of French rugby, is considering a switch to the sevens format as he aims to represent France in the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. At just 22 years old, Bielle-Biarrey has already made a significant impact in the fifteen-a-side game, scoring 29 tries in 27 appearances for France, including a record-breaking nine tries during this season's Six Nations. The move comes in the wake of Antoine Dupont, who transitioned to sevens in 2024, forgoing the Six Nations to prepare for the Paris Olympics, where he helped France secure its first gold medal. Reports suggest that Bielle-Biarrey's desire to play sevens is a key factor in his contract extension negotiations with Bordeaux Begles. French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill expressed his support, stating, "I learned of his desire to play sevens, and I'm very happy about it." Grill believes Bielle-Biarrey could have a similar influence as Dupont, asserting, "Yes, it seems quite obvious. Louis would be an excellent rugby sevens player, of course." The trend of players switching between formats has gained traction, particularly in women's rugby, with notable examples including Meg Jones and Ellie Kildunne of Great Britain, and Ilona Maher of Team USA. The men's game has seen stars like Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, and Cheslin Kolbe also compete at the Olympics, showcasing the versatility and talent across both formats.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-08