Following on the same topic, here is the very first "Equipe de France", on January 1st 1906, before their first international test match against the All Blacks (8-38 to NZ).

I am starting some research to identify them ! Ironically, the gentleman wearing impressive ear protections (front row) is a Briton ! William Hay Crichton, a rich wool trader from Le Havre, who did participate to the "import" of the rugby game to France. Some say he was selected (as full back) because the team needed an interpret...