France Rugby Star Thibaud Flament Opens Up on Fertility Fight

When France rugby star Thibaud Flament missed his team's biggest match of the year, he could have blamed an injury. Instead, he told the truth: he was supporting his wife Ethel through fertility treatment.

The 27-year-old second row player chose to skip France's Six Nations opener against Ireland so he and Ethel, who has endometriosis, could attend their appointment. It was a decision that surprised many in the traditionally tough world of professional rugby.

"It was not easy to make the decision that we were going to explain why," Flament told BBC Sport. The couple worried about how people would react to such a personal revelation.

But Flament's journey has always been about making brave choices. Born in Belgium, he couldn't break into French clubs, so he moved to England's Loughborough University. He arrived as a lanky fly-half playing for the university's fifth team.

At 20, while his classmates competed for prestigious business internships, Flament bought a one-way ticket to Argentina with no job and nowhere to sleep. He networked relentlessly through Buenos Aires coffee mornings and French expat events until someone at the French Embassy noticed his determination and hired him on the spot.

That bold move transformed him into a powerful second row player. By 2021, he was making his debut for France, and he's been a regular starter ever since, helping them win the 2025 Six Nations title.

Why This Inspires

Flament's willingness to prioritize family over career at such a crucial moment sends a powerful message to athletes everywhere. By speaking openly about fertility treatment, he and Ethel are helping normalize conversations that too many couples face in silence.

His transparency reflects the same courage that defined his unconventional path to rugby stardom. The shy young man who once created an alter ego called "Bob" to overcome his insecurities has become someone willing to be vulnerable on the world stage.

Now, as France prepares for future competitions, Flament stands as proof that true strength isn't just about what happens on the field. It's about the choices we make when life demands our attention elsewhere.