Damian Penaud is a French professional rugby player who plays as a wing for the France national team and Bordeaux Bègles.
Coming through as one of the finest wings in what many believed to be France’s generation. With the likes of Romain Ntamack, Gregory Alldritt, and Antoine DuPont, most rugby fans believe France will lift the World Cup with this generation.
However, Damian’s career had been a rollercoaster, an inspiring one and a tough one as well. He moved from academy to academy before he found his feet, settled, and grew into a national star.
Away from rugby, he is also an interesting man, with his lifestyle, family and love life. Indeed, as Damian’s popularity rises with each game, more questions arise about his personal life.
In this detailed piece, we looked at Damian Penaud’s career and life outside rugby.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Name: Damian Penaud
Date of birth: 25 September 1996
Place of birth: Brive-la-Gaillarde, France
Age: 29
Father: Alain Penaud
Wife: Morgane Vernet
Height: 1.93 m
Weight: 98 kg
Position: Wing / Centre
DAMIAN PENAUD’S EARLY LIFE
Damian Penaud was born on 25 September 1996, and he celebrated his 30th birthday in 2026. The talented wing was born in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, where he started playing rugby.
Growing up, Damian joined Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby (LOU) in 2006, seeking professional development until he left in 2007. He moved on to sign for Brive from 2007 to 2008, before moving to Malemort for the 2009- 2010 season.
After Molemort, Damian returned to Brive between 2010 and 2014, where he impressed at the academy. At Brive, he developed into a top prospect, looking to make his professional debut. In 2014, he joined Clermont, a move that changed his life for the better.
While at Clermont, he impressed in the academy before making his professional debut in the Top 14 against Agen in April 2026. He grew as an understudy and backup to legend Aurélien Rougerie, learning his trade and working hard behind the scenes.
While at Clermont, Damian Penaud won the Top 14 in 2017 and the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2019.
Years later, Damian took over and became one of their best players, making over 100 appearances before leaving in 2023 for Bordeaux Bègles.
Now a complete player, fully developed, Damian immediately hit the ground running at Bordeaux. He cemented himself among the best wingers in France and in world rugby. He helped Bordeaux to win the 2025 European Rugby Champions Cup. That year, he also won the European Player of the Year Award, showing his outstanding talent.
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
With so much success at the club level, Damian Penaud also had a very successful journey with the France national team. He started playing for the national side in 2015, playing for the Under-20s. He showed his quality, also developing at club level until he received his senior national team call in 2017 for the three-test series against South Africa.
He made his debut in 2017 and has been a mainstay in the French national team since then. He made it into the Rugby World Cup squad in 2019 and 2023.
He was also part of the Six Nations Championshop squad that won the titles in 2022, 2025 and 2026. Undoubtedly, one of the most dangerous players for France.
DAMIAN PENAUD’S HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND PLAYING STYLE
Damian Penaud stands out as one of France’s most exciting rugby talents. He measures about 1.92 meters tall, giving him a strong aerial advantage. Additionally, he weighs around 96 kilograms, balancing speed with physical power.
Because of his build, Damian Penaud combines agility with impressive strength. Moreover, his long stride allows him to cover ground quickly during attacking phases. As a result, defenders often struggle to contain him in open space.
In terms of playing style, he relies heavily on instinct and creativity. For example, he frequently changes direction suddenly to beat defenders. Furthermore, he reads the game well and anticipates gaps in defensive lines.
Consequently, he scores tries through smart positioning and explosive acceleration. At the same time, he supports teammates effectively during counterattacks. Overall, Penaud blends athleticism, intelligence, and flair into a highly dangerous attacking weapon.
DAMIAN PENAUD’S FAMILY
Born and bred in a rugby family, Damian Penaud’s father is Alain Penaud. Alain was himself a professional rugby player who played for several clubs in France and England, including Lyon and Saracens. Being a professional player himself, Alain naturally became Damian’s first rugby coach. Growing up, he nurtured him into a proper, well-disciplined player, giving him tips and advice on becoming a top player.
However, Damian Penaud’s mother was not publicly active but also played a key role, especially during his early years.
One thing is certain: the Penaud family loves rugby and supports each other in difficult times while celebrating their successes together.
DAMIAN PENAUD’S WIFE AND CHILDREN
The talented wing, Damian Penaud, is married to his wife, Morgane Vernet. The two lovebirds had been together for years, always enjoying each other.
After years of love, Damian and Morgane had their lavish wedding on 19 July 2025. It was a special and expensive day attended by some top rugby players, their families and friends.
A few months later, in December 2025, the couple announced that Morgane was pregnant. They went on to announce that they would be expecting their firstborn baby in 2026.