Fabien Galthie exclusive: 'France need to stay at the top for the next 10 years'

France knows all about a revolution but even the most ardent insurrectionist must have been blindsided by Fabien Galthié's revival of the ailing Bleus during their own years of Terror.

As Galthié and his assistants – the great defence coach, Shaun Edwards, among them – prepare to lead the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on Sunday, it is worth taking stock of just how far the enigmatic former scrum-half has brought France. 

A grand rugby nation they might be, but it is easy to forget how deep into the pit they fell – two World Cup quarter-final exits and a Six Nations wooden spoon – and how much work was required to thrust them back into the light.

So, what was the secret? It is simple, says Galthié, kitted out in his trademark Bond-villain spectacles and speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport from the Barbarians' base on Park Lane: "There is no secret."

"We share everything," Galthié, 53, adds. "I am transparent in my methods. But my primary objective was to reunite French rugby by bringing the clubs closer.

"La Rochelle won the Champions Cup this year, Toulouse the season before, therefore we feel that there has been an evolution. But are we now at the peak? How to keep France playing at this high level, that's the major challenge.

"It is so important to remain at the top. Not just this year, but we need to stay there for the next 10 years. This needs to be the start of a positive cycle. Those are the stakes: keeping French rugby at a high level.

"To do that, this is fundamental: we must continue to work in osmosis with the clubs. The clubs and the Fédération Française de Rugby must keep working together."

Wise words which the Rugby Football Union and Premiership clubs would do well to heed. There is no magic