France release 19, including former captain, back to their clubs

France have sent 19 players back to their clubs for the next round of Top 14 action this weekend.

Fabien Galthie announced his 42-man France squad last week which assembled at their base in Marcoussis on Sunday and Monday, but with no match this weekend for Les Bleus and domestic action continuing, plenty of clubs will be bolstered by the return of some of their stars.

Former captain Charles Ollivon is just one of a number of seasoned internationals who will be playing this weekend, as his Toulon side will be looking to bounce back from a humbling 57-5 loss to Toulouse when they host Lyon.

England coach Steve Borthwick on the importance of winning close matches

Steve Borthwick on what he learned from the narrow defeats to New Zealand in the summer.

England coach Steve Borthwick on the importance of winning close matches

Steve Borthwick on what he learned from the narrow defeats to New Zealand in the summer.

The squad has already been dealt its share of injuries, with tighthead prop Uini Atonio withdrawing from the camp alongside the uncapped duo of Lyon fly-half Léo Berdeu and Bordeaux-Begles back row Pierre Bochaton. The three players who came in to replace them, Regis Montagne, Antoine Hastoy and Cameron Woki, are all part of the departing cohort of players this weekend.

The majority of players will return after the weekend as France prepare to host Japan at the Stade de France, followed by clashes with the All Blacks and Argentina.

Fixture

Internationals

France

52 - 12

Full-time

Japan

All Stats and Data

France’s released players: 
Théo ATTISSOGBE
Joshua BRENNAN
Romain BUROS
Jonathan DANTY
Antoine FRISCH
Marko GAZZOTTI
Antoine HASTOY
Anthony JELONCH
Maxime LAMOTHE
Mathis LEBEL
Maxime LUCU
Yoram MOEFANA
Régis MONTAGNE
Lenni NOUCHI
Charles OLLIVON
Romain TAOFIFENUA
Sébastien TAOFIFENUA
Gabin VILLIÈRE
Cameron WOKI