France names Six Nations squad with key inclusions

France have unveiled its 42-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, with coach Fabien Galthie introducing a mix of experienced players and fresh talent.

Among the headline selections are forwards Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, whose inclusion follows the dismissal of a legal case against them last month in Argentina.

Auradou and Jegou, both 21, were accused of rape during France's summer tour of Argentina but maintained their innocence, insisting the encounter with a 39-year-old woman was consensual. In December, the charges were dropped, allowing the duo to return to rugby.

Commenting on their selection, Galthie said, “The case was dropped, which is clear and obvious. From the moment the case was dropped, we consider them innocent.” However, the complainant’s appeal is set for February 10-11, coinciding with the Six Nations schedule.

Another notable inclusion is Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack, who returns after 17 months sidelined by injuries.

Ntamack, who has 37 caps for France, missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup and last year's Six Nations due to a knee injury, followed by a calf issue that kept him out of November’s internationals.

France's squad is without several seasoned players, including Gael Fickou, Charles Ollivon, and Reda Wardi, forcing Galthie to make some unexpected calls.

Uncapped players like Perpignan prop Giorgi Beria, Bordeaux-Bègles hooker Maxime Lamothe, Toulon winger Gael Drean, and Toulouse lock Joshua Brennan – son of former Ireland international Trevor Brennan – have earned their place.

Other newcomers include Dax centre Noah Nene, Toulon lock Matthias Halagahu, and Leinster prop Rabah Slimani, who last represented France in 2019.

France kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at home on January 31. The schedule then takes them to England, Italy, and defending champions Ireland before concluding with a home game against Scotland on March 15.

France Six Nations squad:

Forwards: Esteban Abadie, Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyrill Baille, Giorgi Beria, Paul Boudehent, Joshua Brennan, Georges-Henri Colombe, Francois Cros, Marko Gazzotti, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Matthias Halagahu, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Danny Priso, Rabah Slimani, Romain Taofifenua

Backs: Theo Attissogbe, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Leo Barre, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Antoine Dupont, Antoine Frisch, Emilien Gailleton, Matthieu Jalibert, Nolann le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Romain Ntamack, Damien Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Gabin Villiere