In 2011 the French Rugby Federation designated the France U20 team as the second national side,[1] and from the start of the 2017–18 season, the French Barbarians became the official second side,[2][3] moving the role of the former France A team to the more prestigious invitational side with better name recognition.

France XV first played at the 1900 Summer Olympics, in Paris, when they defeated Germany by score of 27–17, in the first ever Olympic Rugby Union Tournament.

They later would play often matches for the Mediterranean Games or would represent France at the FIRA Trophy.

In 2009 they played in the IRB Nations Cup, against Italy A, Scotland A, Romania, Russia and Uruguay.

The 2009 tournament was held in Romania.