The Last Season

Igoudou and her friend Koumba, both 20, play rugby for a club in Bobigny, a suburb of Paris. For both of them, rugby is much more than just a sport: it made them strong—physically and mentally—and it taught them how to deal with problems at school, at home, at work, or anywhere. The outside world’s stereotype of the sport as being for men is annoying, but ultimately provides extra motivation.

The two young women are part of a diverse, friendly, and close-knit team. And yet a farewell seems to be approaching, because after this season they will probably go to study—and play sport—somewhere else. Doubt still nags at them, however: how do you know for sure when it is time to leave?

This observational documentary takes place entirely on the sports field, as if nothing exists beyond it. The camera follows training sessions, matches, joking around in the locker room, and conversations between teammates. There is no home. There is no school. There is only rugby—and friendship.