France's Ménager, Vernier and Grisez return for Six Nations round four

Romane Ménager, Gabrielle Vernier and Joanna Grisez have all been named to make their return to the France team as they take on Italy in round four of the Women’s Six Nations.

Vernier returns after suspension for a high tackle received in round one, while Grisez earns her first selection of the 2025 Championship, and the long awaited return of Ménager in a 15s Les Bleues shirt is seemingly over after recovering from concussion she suffered in December while playing for club side Montpellier.

In total France make four changes to the starting XV for their clash against the Azzurri. Vernier will resume her midfield partnership with co-captain Marine Ménager, while Grisez is named on the wing in what is only her second appearance in the Women’s Six Nations Championship.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

In the front row, Assia Khalfaoui starts at tighthead prop, Manon Bigot who was named Player of the Match against Wales in round three starts at hooker and Yllana Brosseau comes in at loose head.

The second row remains unchanged, with co-captain Manaé Feleu partnering Madoussou Fall-Raclot once again. In the back row, Romane Ménager takes the place of Charlotte Escudero, who shifts to the bench, whilst Teani Feleu and Séraphine Okemba start their fourth consecutive match together.

The starting half-back pairing is also unchanged so far in this year’s championship, with Pauline Bourdon-Sansus and Carla Arbez named at nine and ten.

In the back three Grisez is joined by Émilie Boulard on the wing who scored twice last time out, while full-back Morgane Bourgeois, who currently leads the points-scoring charts with 42, will once again have the chance to add to her points tally wearing the 15 shirt.

On the bench, Élisa Riffoneau, Ambre Mwayembe, Axelle Berthoumieu, and Léa Champon return, with Clara Joyeux included. Whilst Lina Queyroi will continue in her role as an impact player, alongside Alexandra Chambon.

France team v Italy:
15 Morgane Bourgeois
14 Joanna Grisez
13 Marine Ménager – co-captain
12 Gabrielle Vernier
11 Émilie Boulard
10 Carla Arbez
9 Pauline Bourdon-Sansus

8 Teani Feleu
7 Séraphine Okemba
6 Romane Ménager
5 Madoussou Fall-Raclot
4 Manae Feleu – co-captain
3 Assia Khalfaoui
2 Manon Bigot
1 Yllana Brosseau

Replacements:
16 Élisa Riffoneau
17 Ambre Mwayembe
18 Clara Joyeux
19 Charlotte Escudero
20 Axelle Berthoumieu
21 Léa Champon
22 Alexandra Chambon
23 Lina Queyroi