France call-up Paul Willemse in Six Nations squad

France have called-up Montpellier lock Paul Willemse in the 31-man squad for the opening two games of the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

South Africa born Willemse has played for Lions, Bulls and Grenoble in the past before switching to Montpellier in 2015 and qualifies to play for France on residency grounds.

Meanwhile, Fiji born wing Alivereti Raka misses out on the selection despite qualifying on residency grounds due to a hand injury while Gael Fickou has made a comeback after being sidelined with injury and will look to add to his 41 Test caps.

Brunel will be banking on the experience of Guilhem Guirado, Louis Picamoles, Morgan Parra and Mathieau Bastareaud as they aim to find early momentum in the tournament.

France will begin the 2019 edition of Six Nations with a clash against Wales in Paris on 1st February, looking for form heading to the RWC 2019, click here for Rugby World Cup Tickets.

France Six Nations squad:

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Demba Bamba, Pierre Bourgarit, Yacouba Camara, Guilhem Guirado (capt), Arthur Iturria, Felix Lambey, Wenceslas Lauret, Bernard Le Roux, Julien Marchand, Louis Picamoles, Jefferson Poirot, Dany Priso, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Paul Willemse

Backs: Mathieu Bastareaud, Anthony Belleau, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Yoann Huget, Camille Lopez, Maxime Medard, Romain Ntamack, Morgan Parra, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin