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Six Nations

Wounded France axe 3 players from matchday squad after Italy draw

By Josh Raisey
France's flanker Charles Ollivon (C) applauses the supporters after the Six Nations rugby union international match between France and Italy at Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, northern France, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

France have announced a 19-player squad that will remain in camp during this upcoming fallow week, with the rest returning to their clubs in the Top 14.

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Of the 19 players selected, 18 featured in the draw against Italy in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday. Louis Bielle-Biarrey is the only player who did not feature in Lille, but was originally selected to play before being forced to pull out.

Fly-half Matthieu Jalibert is not part of the cohort after picking up a knee injury against the Azzurri, neither is centre Jonathan Danty as he awaits his disciplinary hearing this week following his red card.

Video Spacer

France 7s captain Paulin Riva on Antoine Dupont joining the 7s squad

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France 7s captain Paulin Riva on Antoine Dupont joining the 7s squad

The final three players from the matchday squad that have been sent back to their clubs are Toulouse winger Matthis Lebel, Lyon lock Romain Taofifénua and Toulon flanker Esteban Abadie.

Lebel started on the left wing after being a late replacement for Bielle-Biarrey, while both Taofifenua and Abadie played the final half-hour at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Match Summary

2
Penalty Goals
2
1
Tries
1
1
Conversions
1
0
Drop Goals
0
138
Carries
113
5
Line Breaks
4
19
Turnovers Lost
11
4
Turnovers Won
7

While being sent back to your club is not usually an encouraging sign for any player, they may breathe a sigh of relief that they will not be left with Fabien Galthie and Shaun Edwards this week following a fairly dismal showing against Italy to go with their poor displays so far this Championship.

With Les Bleus currently sitting in fourth place in the Six Nations table, the France camp may not be the place to be this week.

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France squad this week:
ALDEGHERI Dorian (Stade Toulousain)
ATONIO Uini (Stade Rochelais)
BAILLE Cyril (Stade Toulousain)
BIELLE-BIARREY Louis (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
BOUDEHENT Paul (Stade Rochelais)
CROS François (Stade Toulousain)
FICKOU Gaël (Racing 92)
LE GARREC Nolann (Racing 92)
LUCU Maxime (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
MARCHAND Julien (Stade Toulousain)
MAUVAKA Peato (Stade Toulousain)
MOEFANA Yoram (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
OLLIVON Charles (RC Toulon)
PENAUD Damian (Union Bordeaux-Bègles)
RAMOS Thomas (Stade Toulousain)
ROUMAT Alexandre (Stade Toulousain)
TAOFIFENUA Sébastien (Lyon OU Rugby)
TUILAGI Posolo (USA Perpignan)
WOKI Cameron (Racing 92)

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Date set for Jonathan Danty to learn Six Nations fate after red card

France centre Jonathan Danty will face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after his red card against Italy on Sunday in the Guinness Six Nations.

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Comments

1 Comment
J
J Marc 151 days ago

The arent “ axed" . Galthie is allowed to keep only 19 players until next week.

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Tom 9 hours ago
A 2025 overseas British & Irish Lions XV

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Bull Shark 10 hours ago
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RW 12 hours ago
There's only one answer to the Springboks' fly-half conundrum

Improve the the chat, block Turlough

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DP 13 hours ago
Melvyn Jaminet handed huge suspension and fine by France

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Rob 13 hours ago
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Bull Shark 14 hours ago
There's only one answer to the Springboks' fly-half conundrum

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DG 16 hours ago
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Turlough 16 hours ago
There's only one answer to the Springboks' fly-half conundrum

I think SAs problem is one of arrogance. Their boasting and goading before the Irish series was a perfect example of it. Ebens blood covered face is a good reminder of where lack of humility gets you. Hopefully they can proceed with more honour and less arrogance from now on. Pollard kicked 100% versus Ireland and still lost. Change it now.

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MO 17 hours ago
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WR 17 hours ago
There's only one answer to the Springboks' fly-half conundrum

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WR 17 hours ago
South Africa stun New Zealand as men’s Olympic sevens semi-finals set

Well, on X they claim they beat SA by 2-1 and won the series against SA. Nevermind that it's 2 different competitions with completely different players, and a completely different country. AGAIN, they think that talking about it and claiming it, that they are the winners. That they DESERVE IT. Yet, as per usual, they CHOKED AGAIN in the quarterfinals. The Boks had 2 good games. That's it. The French is a different story altogether. They know how to reach a final. 2 games to go for either Gold or Bronze. Good news that, but coming in 4th don't get medals, so the Boks have to get in the final to be assured of a medal. It won't be easy. Only teams that CAN play is still in the competition, not teams that thinks talking themselves into a medal will get them a medal. Fiji is now the favorites would be my guess, but anyone can take it from here. Good luck Boks!! As usual you have my full support💯

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Mzilikazi 17 hours ago
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Bull Shark 17 hours ago
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WR 17 hours ago
South Africa stun New Zealand as men’s Olympic sevens semi-finals set

My comment disappeared

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