France enters World Netball World Rankings at #29
Netball France, together with its Board and members, is delighted to announce that Les Bleus have received their first ever World Ranking from World Netball and are beyond thrilled to share that Les Bleus have entered the world rankings at #29.
The Board of Netball France is extremely proud to offer first congratulations to Les Bleus on this historic achievement. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the Coaching and Management staff, World Netball, and Europe Netball, along with the family, friends, and fans of Les Bleus, who are themselves a global community.
The journey to a first world ranking is the culmination of two years of consistent work and effort by the whole team – coaches, management, and athletes. On receiving the news of this first ranking, Les Bleus Head Coach Francesca Plom outlined what this ranking means to her as a coach but also what it means for Les Bleus:
“This is a monumental achievement for not only for the athletes but for the country as well. I see this as a clear testament to the athletes’ commitment to the Les Bleus programme and the vision for netball in France as set out by Netball France. These athletes have shown a resilience and determination to develop the sport internationally and domestically which is always an achievement but as the sport is still developing in France, this is even more special.
Les Bleus are a unique, talented and committed squad, the first of many mixed squads no doubt, but as Head Coach, I want to stress that this is a whole squad achievement. Indeed, the one team ethos of Les Bleus reflects very well the commitment and vision of Netball France in developing the sport in France, making huge strides in a short amount of time, and here I would like to thank the Board for their commitment in making this vision a reality today – bravo à tous et Allez Les Bleus!”
In giving her reaction to the news of a first world ranking, Geva Mentor, Netball France Performance Director, outlined the importance of these achievements for the squad, and why it is impactful for the development of the sport nationally:
“It’s an incredibly proud moment for Netball France and a testament to all the hard work and dedication that has gone on behind the scenes. I want to personally congratulate our head coach Fran, athlete leadership group Georgina, Natalie, and Boris, and the squad for their achievements and spear heading our organisation into the World of Netball. For our organisation this is a tremendous achievement and the start of our ambitious journey that we are excited to embark on as we grow the game in France and seek out Federation status.”
And while, on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of Olympics 2024 in Paris, the Netball France community celebrates its own historic moment in netball, it does so with a clear eye on our continuing journey within the World Netball Rankings and with the hope that by Olympics 2032 Netball will be an Olympic event.