EP 12 - Marie Houdré, the first to score a try in the world of rugby
The Six Nations tournament is currently underway! If, like us, you follow women's sports tournaments, you've probably guessed that it's all about the women's teams! The men have already returned to their national championships. So, go, Les Bleues!
I had the chance to interview Gabrielle Vernier a few weeks ago. Gabrielle is the Antoine Dupont of French women's rugby. She was even voted best international player in 2023... a big name. She still faces challenges today when it comes to equipment adapted to her gender and her sport. She told me that at the start of the season, she sometimes receives men's clothing due to a lack of sufficient sponsors!
In short, there's still room for improvement, but that's another story. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Marie Houdré, a legend and pioneer of women's rugby!
Who is Marie Houdré?
She is little known to the general public. She perfectly embodies the image of all those women who fought in the shadows to try to conquer a small piece of territory.
Born in 1883 in Orléans, it was her father, Jean Baptiste Houdré, who instilled in her independence, strength and courage from a very early age.
At a time when only two-thirds of young girls were enrolled in school, Marie began higher education. The death of her father in 1902 forced the young Marie to abandon her studies. At least temporarily.
At 19, Marie Houdré became a schoolteacher. The adventure lasted a year. Her path was elsewhere; she pursued medical training, graduating eleven years later. (Yes, eleven years 🫣).
The epic of the barrette
It was during this same period that Marie became interested in the nascent women's sports movement. She joined the Federation of Women's Sports Societies of France (FSFSF), where she headed the medical committee, and took over the management of Femina Sport, an all-women's sports club.
Objective: To encourage women to play a multitude of sports… including rugby.
A bold initiative at a time when women's sport was often criticized and considered dangerous ! In 1977, we imagined that running made your legs grow hair, so imagine in 1920!!!
According to doctors, the female constitution is too fragile to withstand intense physical activity . And to top it all off, they are also criticized for their indecent clothing and fear that by letting them frolic in stadiums, they will deviate from the duty of every self-respecting woman: to procreate.
Context 😂: In 2024, you get penalties for wearing shorts in beach volleyball, 100 years ago, it's running in shorts that's 🚫.
Despite this, Marie persisted, collaborating with other enthusiasts, notably André Theuriet (five-time captain of the French national team) to adapt the rules of rugby and create "barette," a women's game. It was played with 12 players—not 15—for 60 minutes instead of 80. The pitch was smaller, and the "violent" actions of traditional rugby were prohibited.
A struggle for recognition
The first official match was played in 1922 in Paris, at the Stade Élisabeth. The crowd was there, but the journalists were mixed (surprise!). Despite the criticism, Marie continued to promote the barrette, forming teams in different cities across France and organizing a national championship (a legend, they said!).
Despite her efforts, women's rugby did not attract enough players at this time, and the barette disappeared. It was not until the 1960s that women's rugby regained popularity.
Marie was 80 years old when she witnessed the rise of women's rugby, she was proud of herself, what she had done would not be forgotten.
"Marie Houdré's name will forever be on the wall of legends. It's a committed, engaging act, since the first legend of French rugby will be this woman, and we are proud of it!" said Serge Simon, vice-president of the FFR and chairman of the World Rugby Women's Rugby Commission.
In 2019, Marie Houdré was honored as the first person to be included on the French Rugby Federation's Wall of Legends. Her commitment and contribution to the development of women's rugby remain a precious legacy and a source of inspiration.
Today (finally!), women's rugby continues to grow, driven in particular by the legacy of Marie Houdré. Thanks to her courage and determination, women now have their rightful place on the rugby field!
Tomorrow it's France-Italy, so we wish our Blues good luck! 💪🏼🏉