new staff, Dupont, Meafou… Fabien Galthié presents the new prospects of the French XV for 2024

The coach of the Blues presented the new members of the management of the XV of France on Friday.

The coach of the French XV, Fabien Galthié, confirmed the new members of his staff, made up of Patrick Arlettaz, Laurent Sempéré and Nicolas Jeanjean, during a press conference organized on Friday November 24 at the Pic Saint-Loup rugby club. (Hérault).

Arlettaz and Sempéré arrive, Ibanez promoted

Patrick Arlettaz, 51, trained in Perpignan for several seasons (from 2012 to 2023), serving as manager there for the last four years. He will take charge of the attack of the XV of France. Coming from Stade Français, where he took care of the forwards since the end of his career in 2019, Laurent Sempéré, 38, will take charge of the conquest of the Blues. Both replace respectively Karim Ghezal and Laurent Labit, who left for Stade français.

Nicolas Jeanjean, 42, was already a member of the staff of the XV of France and replaces as performance director Thibault Giroud, now at Bordeaux-Bègles. “When it was time to replace the starters, I took those who seemed to me to be the best, each with their own style, with different experiences”, explained Fabien Galthié. “The French championship is very educational for coaches. They will bring us their skills and know-how.”, he continued. This new staff will be put to the test from the opening of the Six Nations Tournament against Ireland on February 2 in Marseille.

During this press point, the coach also confirmed the expansion of Raphaël Ibanez’s functions. The general manager of the XV of France will also have “an important job to do to represent the French team to World Rugby” as well as a role “with other French teams”underlined Galthié.

Meafou approaching, Dupont leaving

The coach also spoke about the next Six Nations Tournament, which will begin with a shock against the XV of Clover. Some could make their debut in Blue, starting with Toulouse second row Emmanuel Meafou, selectable since his naturalization. “To make no bones about it, he is a player who has potential. (…) He is there and present among the best second line on the right side”indicated the coach. The French team needs this Tournament to move forward, we can’t wait to find our audience again.”declared Galthié.

“There is no reason why we should not be sublimated by what we have experienced. After anger comes ambition”

Fabien Galthié, coach of the XV of France

to AFP

Regarding the absence of Antoine Dupont, who will prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in rugby sevens, Galthié estimated that “this could open the locker room door to other profiles”after citing Maxime Lucu and Baptiste Couilloud as potential replacements.

Atonio towards a return

Regarding Uini Atonio, the possibility of a return to the French team seems possible, despite the announcement of his international retirement at the end of the World Cup. “Uini is interested in starting a period with the French team. We’ll see, but he’s one of the best right pillars.”praised Galthié.