Rugby-Macron looks to boost France confidence ahead of World Cup

French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to Les Bleus before they embark on their Rugby World Cup campaign, looking to boost the team's confidence ahead of the tournament. France geared up for the event with victories against low-ranked Italy and Scotland, against whom they also lost in one of three warm-up matches.

"You're not the favorites, we know it. It's hurtful, it's tough. But in sports nothing is pre-written," Macron told the players on Thursday. "There's no need to have a France team winning all their test matches. Have faith in yourselves.

"You wear more than your jersey. It's the shirt of France and of the whole nation watching you." France was drawn in Pool C with Tonga, the United States, England, and Argentina -- their first opponents on Sept. 21.

They fly to Japan on Saturday.

Also Read: India and Pakistan should resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally, says French President Emmanuel Macron after talks with PM Modi.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)