France-USA Rugby Centennial: Let’s Celebrate a Historic Olympic Moment

With the Games around the corner this summer, we’re all feeling the Olympic spirit! Besides celebrating the third occurrence since the Rugby Sevens made its way to the Olympics, we’re also celebrating an exciting event in American rugby history! 

2024 marks the centennial of a remarkable event in rugby history: the 1924 Olympic rugby union match between France and the United States. Held in Paris, this game was the last Olympic rugby union match and ended in a surprising yet glorious victory for the United States. 

The Road to the 1924 Olympics

Let’s travel back in time 100 years, to the summer of 1924. Rugby had been part of the Olympic Games intermittently since 1900, with France, Great Britain, and Australia among the early winners. However, in the 1924 Paris Games, only three teams competed: France, the United States, and Romania. 

Back then, the American rugby team was not as popular or as well-established in the U.S. With the favorite to win, France hosting the games in front of a patriotic French crowd, Team USA was seen as an underdog, making their victory even more miraculous!

The Historic Match

On May 18, 1924, the final match took place at Colombes Stadium in Paris, where the French team was highly favored to win, given their experience and the home advantage.

The American team faced many challenges in the lead-up to the final game. Reports from the time describe a hostile environment, with the American team facing jeers and even physical threats from disgruntled fans. The players were even robbed during the day’s training session, losing cash and personal possessions. Despite this and the fierce anti-American sentiment from the locals, they didn’t let this stop them. 

From the start of the match, it was clear that the Americans were not to be underestimated. The match was intense and physical, characterized by powerful scrums and hard tackles. At the end of it all, the United States had triumphed with a score of 17-3, securing their Olympic gold medal in rugby.

Aftermath and Legacy

This 1924 match holds a special place in American rugby history not only because of the unexpected outcome but also because it was the last time rugby union was played at the Olympics. Rugby was subsequently dropped from the Olympic program, not returning until 2016 in the form of rugby sevens. 

The France-USA rugby centennial is more than just a commemoration of a single match. This Olympic final was a defining moment in American rugby history that truly showcased the unexpected triumph of determination and teamwork!

Want to learn more about the rugby world in the United States? Check out NRFL’s website or book a 1:1 meeting with us!