Charlotte Escudero did well to choose the oval ball, at the age of 9, rather than the round ball, started two years earlier: “I was not technical enough for football While rugby, discovered during an initiation to school, corresponds to me 100%. It was obvious “ For this rugby player’s girl.
The native of Seyne, but child of Toulon, did even better not to give up the XV of France, as she had thought about it in 2021 when she had “Difficult to reconcile studies + work + rugby”.
Because, now 24 years old, the third (or second) line of 1.78m for 84kg has become an indisputable holder with the Blue (26 sections, 4 trials).
And, as during the Six Nations 2025 tournament, again concluded from the rank of runner-up behind Queen England last weekend, France will be able to count on Charlotte Escudero this summer during the World Cup … in England.
France has just finished the Six Nations tournament, still in second place (for the 6the consecutive time), still behind England (winner for the 21ste times in 30 editions)…
It is frustrating because we really went very closely by losing only a small point in the last match in Twickenham (42-43) when we were carried out by 30 points after being completely dominated for twenty minutes. We managed to re -mobilize but that was not enough.
What did you miss to achieve what would have been a real feat among the English?
We had too much trouble entering the match: leaving like that, it’s complicated, it forced us to run after the scoring throughout the game. And it is also played with technical details: we all made a mistake. However, against a team like England, we have no right to make mistakes. These “details” must be adjusted but it is still a good omen for the future.
The rest is the World Cup, which will see you return to England, from August 22 to September 27 …
For us, it will be another chance to show what we are worth, resting the basics well: we know that we have several points to work. The World Cup is the goal, the Six Nations tournament was a preparation.
Photo doc. Luc Boutria.
And what will be the goal? Do it as well, better than in New Zealand (3e) in 2022 (1)?
Inevitably better! We want to perform in England because our defeat in the semi-finals against New Zealand (24-25) We left a bitter taste. We must capitalize on all these matches that we have played since 2022, and in particular on our last meeting in Twickenham, where we “had everything”, having been dominated, having come up, having received yellow cards … We are still satisfied with the content and we have solid bases on which we will be able to rely.
After the 2022 World Cup, you returned to New Zealand in 2023 for the first WXV, where France this time finished “only” 5eas for the second edition in Canada last fall …
It is every time a disappointment. Our concern is that we are able to hang large teams but that we are just as capable of losing against more playable training: it hurts the head.
-You quickly made a great place in the France team: you did well not to give it up as you had thought about it in 2021 …
At the time, I was struggling to reconcile studies + work + rugby … Now, in female rugby, we do not earn our life enough, we are forced to think of our conversion and therefore to study. Even if things evolve in the right direction: the female elite 1 championship is now broadcast on Canal + and there are good audiences. It advances, slowly but surely. The “old” have not known that.
Regarding me, being under contract with the Federation helped me a lot: I have no more financial concerns and I can continue my studies (a distance marketing bachelor). This contract allows me to live very properly … even if it is derisory compared to the salaries of men: I earn 2,500 euros per month.
Until when are you under contract with the Federation?
Until the start of the World Cup. It is renewed each time for a year, a year and a half. It’s complicated to project yourself, for me but also for the federation. This is also why I have to have another project: if, in August, the Federation tells me that it is finished …
Do you still have a margin of progression?
Yes! We are never 100%perfect! We saw it at the Six Nations Tournament … against England, these are details that cost us dearly: we paid full price. There are always details to correct.
What place do you feel the most comfortable: third line, your favorite position, or second line, where you get out of?
I sparked on the second line against Italy again during the tournament. My versatility is advantageous for the team because it allows bearings, to blow out. And even for me, it’s interesting: it allows me to stay in the center of the field and I have fun differently. I also had the opportunity to play third line center line, a fairly complete position that I also like. In fact, I have no preference. I am just as happy with number 5, 6 or 8 in my back.
Can we imagine, one day, see you come back playing in the Var, at the RCTPM?
Currently, in elite 2, no. But why not if there is an elite 1 project or at the end of my career, because it would be nice to get closer to my family, my friends.
What are your club goals?
The title of champion of France makes me dream. And I hope this year will be good with Toulouse, after the three consecutive finals that I lost with Blagnac (2021, 2022 et 2023)! Because I’m young but time passes! Currently there are 4 of usesthere is still a job. But we have good individuals that give a good collective.
1. Planned in 2021, the event had been postponed due to the Cavid-19 pandemic.
