The three captains of the France group will not be among the players summoned to Marcoussis to prepare for the 2026 Six Nations Tournament.
Winger Damian Penaud, top try scorer for the French XV, will not be called by coach Fabien Galthié to prepare for the Six Nations Tournament, AFP learned on Tuesday from a source close to the player, confirming information from The Team .
Penaud, 29 years old, 40 tries in 59 selections, will not appear in the list of 42 players to be announced by the French Rugby Federation on Wednesday in view of the Tournament, which begins on February 5 against Ireland. His absence could benefit Palois Théo Attissogbe, starter in the three matches of the last summer tour in New Zealand, or Toulonnais Gaël Dréan, who continues to gain ground in the Top 14.
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Damian Penaud had previously been ruled out during the 2025 Tournament after the defeat against England on the second day. But he returned a match later against Ireland, during the resounding French victory (42-27) where he equaled Serge Blanco’s 38 tries in the blue jersey. In November, against South Africa, his double made him the sole record holder.
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Gaël Fickou and Grégory Alldritt also absent
The Team also claims that Racing 92 center Gaël Fickou is not on the list either. The most capped player in activity and very close to becoming the third player to exceed 100 caps with the Blues (98), he was named captain of the tour in New Zealand as well as against South Africa, and had started twice during the matches of the XV of France in November. A third executive should pay the price for the strong choices of the French staff. Grégory Alldritt (28 years old, 58 caps), captain last November against Fiji, will not be one of the players called up by Fabien Galthié, announce our colleagues at South West.
Two other resounding absences which could open the doors of the CNR of Marcoussis to young players like the center of the Section Paloise, Fabien Brau-Boirie, or the third row of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Temo Matiu.
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