The decision is all the more surprising as Damian Penaud became the top scorer in the history of the French XV during the November tour against South Africa. The Blues’ most capped active player (98 caps), Gaël Fickou was captain during the same match against the Springboks. His successor during the other two test matches was none other than… Grégory Alldritt.
Several pillars of the selection are nevertheless present. Returning to competition with Toulouse after his rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right knee, Antoine Dupont will regain his role as captain and his position as scrum half. Imperial since the start of the season, Matthieu Jalibert is the favorite to be at his side at the opening.
The main surprise comes from the call of Tom Staniforth, the Australian second line from Castres, eligible since the fall for having resided in France for more than 60 consecutive months.
Thomas Ramos, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Anthony Jelonch, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Julien Marchand and Peato Mauvaka are also all present to start this 2026 Six Nations Tournament.
Ugo Seunes, the fly-half of Racing 92, was also called up.
The list of 42
Before : Aldegheri (Toulouse), Atonio (La Rochelle), Auradou (Pau), Baille (Toulouse), Boudehent (La Rochelle), Cros (Toulouse), Fischer (Bayonne), Flament (Toulouse), Gros (Toulon), Guillard (Lyon), Jegou (La Rochelle), Jelonch (Toulouse), Lamothe (Bordeaux-Bègles), Marchand (Toulouse), Matiu (Bordeaux-Bègles), Mauvaka (Toulouse), Meafou (Toulouse), Montagne (Clermont), Neti (Toulouse), Nouchi (Montpellier), Ollivon (Toulon), Priso (Toulon), Staniforth (Castres), Tatafu (Bayonne), Woki (Bordeaux-Bègles).
Rear: Bordeaux-Bègles), Brau-Boirie (Pau), Bureau (Bordeaux-Bègles), Daubgna (Pau), Depoortere (Bordeaux-Bègles). Nene (French Stadium), Bouquets (Toulouse ), Serin ), Senèuns (Racing 92).
