demi de mêlée

Question

As the speaker is female, should “Bonjour Marc. Je suis demi de mêlée” be “Bonjour Marc. Je suis demie de mêlée”?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Good question Brian!
In French feminine rugby, the position is demi de mêlée (not "demie").
The word "demi" in this context is part of a compound noun that functions as a position title, and it remains invariable (doesn't change with gender).
This is similar to how "demi-finale" stays "demi" regardless of context.
So whether you're talking about a male or female player, the position is "demi de mêlée" (scrum-half in English).
The same applies to the other "demi" position: "demi d'ouverture" (fly-half).
Bonne Continuation !