From Agen to the Top of French Women’s Rugby

Assia Khalfaoui was born on March 24, 2001, in Pont-du-Casse, a small commune near Agen in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France. Growing up in rugby heartland—where the Top 14 club SU Agen has shaped the region’s sporting identity for over a century—Khalfaoui discovered the sport that would transform her life. She began her career with SU Agen Lot-et-Garonne before making the move to Stade Bordelais at just 18 years old.

That decision proved pivotal. At Stade Bordelais, Khalfaoui developed into one of the most formidable loosehead props in French women’s rugby. Her powerful scrummaging technique and dynamic ball-carrying ability made her a cornerstone of a dominant squad. Together with her teammates, she helped secure three consecutive Elite 1 Championship titles—France’s top-tier women’s rugby competition—establishing Stade Bordelais as the benchmark for excellence in the domestic game.

The Role of a Loosehead Prop

For those unfamiliar with rugby union positions, the loosehead prop wears the number 1 jersey and forms the left side of the front row in the scrum. It is one of the most physically demanding positions in all of team sports. Props must anchor the scrum, absorbing and generating enormous forces while maintaining technical precision. A dominant scrum can win penalties, secure possession, and psychologically break opponents.

Standing 168 cm, Khalfaoui defies the traditional image of a towering prop. Instead, she relies on exceptional body positioning, explosive leg drive, and relentless work rate. Her low center of gravity becomes an advantage in the tight exchanges of the scrum and at the breakdown. Beyond set pieces, modern props are expected to contribute in open play—making tackles, carrying into contact, and supporting teammates across the pitch. Khalfaoui excels in all these areas.

International Recognition and World Cup Selection

Khalfaoui’s club performances earned her a call-up to the France women’s national team. She made her international debut on March 27, 2022, in Grenoble, coming off the bench in a comprehensive 39-6 victory against Italy during the Women’s Six Nations. That same year, she was selected for France’s squad at the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand—a tournament that showcased the rapid growth of women’s rugby on the global stage.

The experience in New Zealand, competing against powerhouses like England and the Black Ferns, accelerated her development. By 2025, Khalfaoui had cemented her status as a key member of the national setup. She earned selection for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where France entered as one of the favorites to challenge for the title. Two World Cup selections before turning 25 underscores the trajectory of an athlete at the peak of her powers.

A New Chapter at ASM Clermont Auvergne

In 2025, Khalfaoui made another significant career move, transferring to ASM Clermont Auvergne. Clermont is one of the most storied names in French rugby, and their investment in the women’s program reflects the sport’s evolution. For Khalfaoui, the move represented an opportunity to compete at the highest level while contributing to the growth of another major club’s women’s section.

The transfer also aligned with her personal ambitions. Khalfaoui has spoken openly about using her platform to advocate for greater visibility of women’s rugby in France. She believes the sport has the power to transform lives—particularly for young women who, like herself, may have started as shy children and found confidence through the physicality, teamwork, and discipline that rugby demands.

The Growth of Women’s Rugby in France

Khalfaoui’s career has unfolded during a period of unprecedented growth for women’s rugby. The 2023 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand drew record global audiences, and France’s hosting of the 2024 Olympics—where rugby sevens is an established medal event—further elevated the sport’s profile. Elite 1 has expanded, with increased media coverage, professional contracts, and competitive depth.

French rugby’s development pathway now produces world-class talent consistently. Players like Khalfaoui benefit from structured academies, professional training environments, and international exposure from a young age. The national team’s performances—including competitive campaigns against England and New Zealand—demonstrate that France belongs among the global elite.

The Depth of French Rugby Talent

Khalfaoui is part of a broader wave of French rugby talent emerging across both the men’s and women’s games. In men’s rugby, players like Matthys Gratien—a winger competing in Pro D2 for SA XV Charente—represent the homegrown pathway from regional academies to professional competition. Gratien, who developed through RC Vannes before his 2023 transfer, has overcome serious injury to establish himself as a reliable try-scorer in France’s second tier.

These parallel journeys highlight the strength of France’s club system and its ability to develop diverse talent across positions and competitions. Whether in the Elite 1 women’s league or Pro D2, French rugby continues to produce athletes ready to compete on the international stage.

Beyond the Pitch: Advocacy and Community

Khalfaoui’s influence extends beyond her on-field performances. She actively promotes team unity and uses social media to connect with fans and aspiring players. Her message centers on the transformative power of sport—how rugby taught her resilience, built her confidence, and gave her a platform to inspire others.

She partners with SQUAD NUTRITION, reflecting the professionalization of women’s rugby and the growing commercial opportunities for elite female athletes. Her visibility helps normalize women’s rugby as a career path and entertainment product, contributing to the sport’s long-term sustainability.

Discover Assia Khalfaoui on Peaxel

Assia Khalfaoui represents everything compelling about modern women’s rugby union: technical excellence, physical courage, and a commitment to growing the game. Her journey from Agen to World Cup selection to ASM Clermont traces the arc of an athlete still ascending. You can follow her career and add her to your lineup on Peaxel, where fans build teams of real athletes across dozens of sports. Explore her full profile at game.peaxel.me and discover more rugby athletes on the complete sports list.