'We didn’t expect it and we were surprised, like everyone else'

Union Bordeaux-Bègles have played down concerns over Damian Penaud’s shock omission from France’s Six Nations plans, with the winger backed to respond on the pitch after being left out of Fabien Galthié’s initial 42-man squad for the 2026 championship.

It was easily the biggest surprise of the national squad selection announcements this week; France’s all-time leading try-scorer left out in the cold and effectively overlooked for the opening-round clash with Ireland in Dublin.

Named on the wing for UBB’s Top 14 match today with Stade Francais, Penaud failed to score in the home side’s shock 28-33 loss at the Chaban-Delmas Stadium.

Speaking before the game, Bordeaux captain Nicolas Depoortere confirmed that Penaud has already spoken with the France coaching staff following his non-selection and said the winger is clear on what is required to force his way back into contention.

“Damian has had contact with the staff,” Depoortere said. “He’s experienced, he knows what he has to do. He has everything in his hands to try to come back as quickly as possible.”

Depoortere admitted Penaud’s absence came as a surprise within the Bordeaux squad, given his standing in the game and his long-established role in France’s back three.

“It’s delicate because it’s still Damian Penaud, a big name in rugby,” he said. “We didn’t expect it and we were surprised, like everyone else. But we’re supporting him.”

Crucially for Bordeaux, there is little concern that the decision will have a negative impact on Penaud’s confidence, with the winger known for responding strongly when challenged.

“When he feels challenged, he’s capable of producing very, very big performances,” Depoortere said.

Yannick Bru, the UBB manager, was of the same opinion as his captain.

“Damian is a unique character; he’s always chasing different trophies,” said Bru. “He wants to be the top passer in the Champions Cup, which is why he doesn’t want to sprint anymore; he wants to set up tries!

“When you take stock, there are far more positives than negatives, so thank you, Damian!”

Galthié – for his part – sought to frame the suprise omissions [including centre Gael Fickou and No.8 Gregory Alldritt] as part of a broader selection process rather than a reflection on the players’ standing within the squad, insisting that established figures remain central to his long-term plans despite being left out of this initial group.

“They are still important players in this second stint. But a selection is a snapshot in time,” he told L’Equipe.

“You have to be fair, create healthy competition and a sense of shared ambition. There’s a reassuring, supportive psychological approach, close to what we call confidence, but you also have to be open to other potentials that I feel are just as strong as those I brought into the squad in 2020.”

“Potential players that people don’t necessarily know about yet. Once again, the most important thing is to be fair. And that’s the case for these three players.”

“What does it mean to be an undisputed starter for the French national team? It’s a good question, but I don’t have the answer.

“The rule of this game and of selection is that those who deserve it get their place.

“They deserved it immensely, and they will surely deserve it in the future. I’m certain they’ll come back to us.”

“At no point is there any questioning of what they have done for us.”

It’s certainly a decision that left the wider English-speaking rugby world scratching its collective heads too, with many ascribing it to the capricious selection tendencies of Galthie.

“Would any other nation look at Damian Penaud, one of the very best in the world in his position, capable of winning games almost single-handedly, and go… “nah, you’re alright”?,” wrote rugby pundit and journalist Ross Harries on X.