The term “French flair” originated back with the Boniface brothers in the 1960s, but it was Serge Blanco, rugby union’s very own Pelé, who made it common currency. It’s 16 years now since Blanco, still France’s record try scorer with 38 touch downs, hung up his boots. This year he celebrates a decade in charge of the French National League (LNR). During his tenure France’s professional club game, which was once anything but, has become a model of innovation and good housekeeping.

The league’s annual budget is now €52m, about 10 times what it was 10 years ago. Blanco has also proved himself a capable businessman, building up a successful string of high-end thalassotherapy resorts dotted around France and establishing a clothing line “Quinze Serge Blanco”, with stores as far away as Cape Town.