Team France has announced its roster for the 2018 IFAF European Championships, scheduled to start July 29 in Vantaa, Finland.
Since taking over as head coach of Team France in 2014, Patrick Esume has guided the French national team through two tournaments and and a number of games. Most recently, the French national team defeated Team Germany in the World Games in Poland in 2017. The win was historic as it marked the first time France had ever beaten the Germans in international competition.
Team France at training camp
In the 2015 IFAF World Championships, France reached the bronze medal game but were defeated by Team Mexico 20-7.
France won the bronze in the 2014 European Championships, defeating Team Finland in the medal round, 35-21. In 2010, the French reached the gold medal game but were defeated by Team Germany 26-10. Team France has finished fourth three times since the tournament started in 1983.
Team France opens the tournament on July 31 when they will face Great Britain. Two days later, August 2, the French then take on Finland.
Team France HC Patrick Esume at training camp
Patrick Esume:
“We are missing around seven top players from the German Football League teams. We are young and inexperienced. But the mood is good. Austria is the favorite so we will go out and see what we can do.”
The final round games including the gold and bronze medal games will be played on Saturday, August 4.
