In a country where wine is generally king, Lille is France’s beer capital. Pelforth is a French brewery founded in 1914 in Mons-en-Barœul by three Lillois brewers. It was originally called Pelican, after a dance popular at the time, but changed its name to Pelforth after World War II. The name is a mash up of Pelican and “forte”, which means strong – and this is the style of beer they brew, including a blonde, brune and amber.

Northern France is not a hotbed of rugby, but as France took its 2026 Guinness Six Nations roadshow up country, it was time for the folks of Hauts-de-France to cheer on their boys in blue.

Stade Pierre Mauroy is tucked away in one of those out of town complexes at Villeneuve d’Ascq, a suburb 6km southeast of Lille City Centre, just a gentle meandering fifteen minute metro ride from Gare Lille Flandres.

It was here two years ago that France escaped an humiliating defeat with a fortunate 13-13 draw when Paulo Garbisi’s injury time penalty hit the post after the ball had fallen off the kicking tee during his run up.

There was no danger of an upset this time around despite a dogged physical competitive performance from Italy who rattled the French scrum.

France came to life in their own inimitable way when it was necessary, scoring five tries, the first after just 3 minutes by guess who ?-Louis Bielle-Biarrey- setting a record for scoring a try in eight consecutive matches in the Six Nations.

France now head to Murrayfield, knowing a bonus point win will give them the title, but for now it’s au revoir to our friends in the north, and as we sip on an ice cold Pelforth, it’s job done for Les bleus.

Salut