Six nations Championship : a first for "La Marseillaise" performed in french sign language

Unveiled by Société Générale on November 8, the French Sign Language (LSF) interpretation of La Marseillaise performed by the France national rugby team was broadcast live on France Télévisions for the first time in France on February 5, during the France–Ireland match. A unifying initiative encouraging all supporters to stand together behind "Les Bleus".

from left to right : Nicolas Depoortere, Maxence, Thomas Ramos, Anthony Jelonch

A first on French television

First revealed on the giant screens in stadiums during the Quilter Nations Series 2025, the LSF version of La Marseillaise, produced by Société Générale, brought French supporters together around Les Bleus. This unprecedented initiative, shared widely on social media, was praised by numerous media outlets.

For the opening match of the 2026 Six Nations Championship between France and Ireland, Société Générale — Premium Partner of the French Rugby Federation — wanted to take the initiative even further by sharing this message of inclusion with all French citizens.

For the first time in France, during a free-to-air sports broadcast, this LSF interpretation of La Marseillaise was integrated into the live feed on France Télévisions in a dedicated on screen inset. The anthem, signed by the France national team, was shown on both television and digital platforms simultaneously with the sung version performed by the players during the national anthems.

The initiative will be renewed during the two other matches broadcast by the channel:

• France vs. Italy: February 22, at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille
• France vs. England: March 14, at Stade de France in Saint-Denis

By partnering with France Télévisions on this initiative, Société Générale reaffirms its ambition to promote meaningful progress in inclusion within sports and society.

The LSF interpretation of La Marseillaise also brought onto the field

This commitment was also carried onto the field during the opening match, with an LSF performance of the anthem by Maxence, an 11‑year‑old boy passionate about rugby and suffering from an illness that is gradually causing him to lose his hearing.

Present at the Stade de France last November, Maxence and his parents were moved upon discovering this initiative and reached out to Société Générale through social media. The Group wanted to offer the young boy the opportunity to join the French squad and its captain to sign La Marseillaise alongside them. A unique and hope‑filled moment.

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