Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a 23-year-old winger playing for Union Bordeaux-Bègles, has been named the Best French International Player for the 2025-2026 season after winning the Best International award at the Rugby Night 2026 event. This recognition has placed him in the running for the World Rugby Player of the Year award for the current year. Bielle-Biarrey has started the season strongly, scoring two tries in his first two club matches and is under contract with the Girondins until 2029. He may return to Top 14 matches this weekend after a two-week break. At the Rugby Night, he was celebrated for his performances with the French national team. The shortlist for the World Rugby Awards is expected to be announced by the end of November. His contributions to the French team’s success and his individual performances have made him a strong contender for the World Rugby Player of the Year. However, this award only considers achievements with national teams, not club performances. Despite helping his club win the Champions Cup, Bielle-Biarrey cannot use this to bolster his case for the award. This year, Bielle-Biarrey played five matches in the Six Nations 2026 tournament with France. He scored nine tries in those games, making him the most prolific player in a single edition of the competition. His efforts were crucial to France’s victory in the tournament, especially in the final match against England, where he scored four tries at the Stade de France. He played 2,295 minutes in the last season and was rested during the initial phase of the Nations Championship. Despite his absence in the summer, the French team still managed to win two matches, though they had a narrow loss to New Zealand. Bielle-Biarrey became the second-highest try scorer in international rugby this year, trailing only New Zealand’s Will Jordan. In November, Bielle-Biarrey has the chance to break his personal record of ten tries for France in a single calendar year, a feat he achieved in 2025. If he continues to perform at this level, he may overtake Jordan and claim an individual distinction. Three French players have previously won the World Rugby Player of the Year award: Fabien Galthié, the current French coach, in 2002; Thierry Dusautoir, a former French captain, in 2011; and Antoine Dupont of Toulouse, in 2021. At 23, Bielle-Biarrey is emerging as one of the key players for the French team, which is seen as a strong contender for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Speaking to La Dépêche du Midi, Bielle-Biarrey emphasized the importance of preparation as the team continues to build toward the tournament. “We have about ten matches left before reaching this World Cup, so we don’t have time to waste. I think the team is taking shape more, that we are increasingly finding common ground together. After that, we know that on these matches, it's one shot. What will really make the difference will be being as prepared as possible,” he said.