France strengthen squad with Top-14 stars for All Blacks Series

France have added significant firepower to their touring squad ahead of the three-Test series against the All Blacks, calling in reinforcements from their Top-14 heavyweights.

With injuries affecting the initial squad and a physically demanding series ahead, head coach Fabien Galthié has moved quickly to inject fresh options for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.

Among the new arrivals are Toulouse centre Pierre-Louis Barassi and Bordeaux-Bègles midfielder Nicolas Depoortere, both of whom featured prominently in the recent Top-14 playoffs.

Their call-ups follow the withdrawal of Cheikh Tiberghien, Gabin Villière, and Tom Spring, who were all sidelined due to injuries sustained in training.

The decision to strengthen the squad mid-tour reflects Galthié’s strategy to keep the group competitive and tactically flexible as they face one of the toughest challenges in international rugby.

Fitness assessments will be carried out following the Top-14 final to confirm readiness, but all signs point to these additions being match-ready given their recent form and club-level intensity.

The opening Test kicks off in Dunedin on July 5, with further clashes scheduled in Wellington on July 12 and Hamilton on July 19.