France name Gregory Alldritt captain for Six Nations

France head coach Fabien Galthie has confirmed that number eight Gregory Alldritt will be captaining the side for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Alldritt will take over the reins from Antonie Dupont, who has made a switch to the sevens game to compete in the Paris Olympics. Charles Ollivon, who led the Les Bleus before Dupont continues to be part of the squad that also has Anthony Jelonch.

The squad also has six uncapped players in centre Nicolas Depoortere, back row Esteban Abadie, locks Matthias Halagahu and Emmanuel Meafou, flyhalf Antoine Gibert and scrumhalf Nolann Le Garre.

Meafou, who was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia was initially expected to be part of the World Cup squad but became qualified to represent France only after the showpiece event was over.

Maxime Lucu and Le Garrec are the only two specialist scrum-halves in the squad in the absence of Dupont while there was a recall for lock Paul Gabrillagues for the first time since he last played for them in 2019.

France will kick-start their Six Nations campaign with a clash against Ireland in Marseille on 2nd February.

France squad:

Forwards: Esteban Abadie, Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Gaetan Barlot, Paul Boudehent, Francois Cros, Paul Gabrillagues, Matthias Halagahu, Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Laclayat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Charles Ollivon, Romain Taofifenua, Sebastien Taofifenua, Reda Wardi, Cameron Woki

Backs: Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Jonathan Danty, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Antoine Gibert, Matthieu Jalibert, Melvyn Jaminet, Nolann Le Garrec, Matthis Lebel, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos.