French · Romans-sur-Isère, France · Born 19 April 1967French wing who scored one of the most celebrated tries in rugby history against England in 1991, capping a length-of-the-field move started by Serge Blanco, and later coached the national team.
Born Philippe Georges Saint-André in Romans-sur-Isère on 19 April 1967, Saint-André joined Montferrand in 1988 and made his French debut in May 1990 against Romania, later playing centre before settling on the wing as his primary position. Saint-André's signature moment came in the 1991 Five Nations against England at Twickenham, when he finished off a spectacular length-of-the-field move that began with Serge Blanco fielding the ball in his own in-goal area, linking through Jean-Baptiste Lafond, Philippe Sella and Didier Camberabero before Saint-André collected Camberabero's kick to score — widely regarded as one of the greatest tries in rugby history. He captained France 34 times across his 69-cap international career, leading the side at both the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cups, reaching the semi-finals of the latter tournament before losing to hosts South Africa. Nicknamed 'Le Goret' ('the piglet'), Saint-André moved to Gloucester in 1997, becoming one of the first major French stars to join English rugby in the professional era. After retiring, Saint-André built an extensive coaching career, leading Gloucester, Sale Sharks and Toulon to domestic success before being appointed head coach of France from 2011 to 2015. He later coached Montpellier and, from 2025, Provence Rugby.
Scoring one of the most celebrated tries in rugby history against England in 1991
How They Played
Fast, incisive finishing winger
Lasting Impact
Remembered for one of rugby's greatest tries and a long subsequent coaching career
French Athletes