Rugby: Damian Penaud Surpasses Serge Blanco as All-Time Top Try Scorer for the France National Team

Damian Penaud has made history by surpassing Serge Blanco as the all-time top try scorer for the France national rugby team. This remarkable achievement occurred on November 8, 2025, during a match against South Africa.

Historic Achievement in Rugby

Playing at the Stade de France, Penaud secured his 39th international try just four minutes into the game. He continued to excel, concluding the match with a total of 40 tries after scoring a second try later in the game. This accomplishment places him above Blanco, who had previously held the record with 38 tries in 92 appearances.

Career Overview

At 29 years old, Penaud’s career has been impressive. His journey began in June 2017 when he scored his first international try during a match against South Africa, which France lost 37-15 in Durban. Since then, he has established himself as a key player in the team.

• Total International Tries: 40
• Number of Caps: 57
• Surpassed Serge Blanco’s Record: 38 tries

Performance Highlights

In addition to his national successes, Penaud holds the record for the most tries in a single season of the Champions Cup. He achieved this with 14 tries during the 2024-2025 season, including a remarkable six tries against the Sharks from South Africa. His contributions led his club, Bordeaux-Bègles, to a European title that season.

Family Legacy

Penaud comes from a rugby family; his father, Alain Penaud, was a former fly-half for Brive and the French national team. Overall, Damian Penaud’s professional career has reached a remarkable total of:

Overall, he has scored a stunning 144 tries since the beginning of his professional career, underscoring his pivotal role in the sport.