The French are not happy with their dressing room and the Scots blame the size of France’s staff
10:07, 06 Mar 2026Updated 12:36, 06 Mar 2026
France play Scotland at Murrayfield(Image: Getty Images)
A row has broken out between Scotland and France on the eve of Saturday’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield. The French are unhappy with the size of the away dressing room, with coach Fabien Galthie complaining his side will be forced to change in the corridors.
Scottish head coach Gregor Townsend has hit back, claiming the large size of France’s staff is the cause of their issue.
Galthie described the away changing room is “the smallest in the world”, adding: “We change in the corridors, let’s be honest.
“We regularly ask them to give us the next room, which is available and is normally the other part of the changing room.
“Well, we don’t get it. So we continue to change in the corridor for an international match. The referee’s changing room is bigger.
“So it sets the tone, and you know what you’re getting into as soon as you arrive at the stadium.”
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
The away dressing room at Murrayfield has long had a three-foot-wide pillar in the middle of it after former coach Jim Telfer requested it be erected to lessen the opposition’s “togetherness” and make life more uncomfortable.
Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Kitbag
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
from £5
Kitbag
The Six Nations is running from February 5 to March 14 and Wales Rugby fans can get the latest jerseys, hoodies and more at Kitbag.
Townsend hit back at France, saying: “I think it’s the first time the opposition have complained about our away changing room publicly.
“It’s obviously the changing room Edinburgh use week in, week out. It’s a changing room every away team have used over the last 20 years.
“France have got a huge staff, which I think is part of the issue. But it’s not really my job.
“You’re asking me questions about things that are getting organised to accommodate their numbers. If it sets the tone, it’s interesting.
“I don’t think players are too worried about that. I’ve been to a few changing rooms.
“I’ll not mention many, but you know the ones that are very small. And it doesn’t really bother the players.
“Apparently that was the only alternative, that they get you a room. Apparently the media have got more power than French rugby…”
France can actually win the Six Nations title with a week to spare with a bonus point win over the Scots, who still harbour title hopes of their own after victories over England and Wales.