The French national rugby team, Les Bleus, is set to return to action in November with three home test matches against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina, following a disappointing summer tour. Coach Fabien Galthié announced a squad of 42 players, including the highly anticipated return of scrum-half Antoine Dupont after his absence since the World Cup quarter-finals. The roster features six newcomers vying for their international debuts as the team prepares for a demanding autumn schedule.
Les Bleus are making a comeback this November. After a challenging summer tour in Argentina, the French national rugby team is set to host three test matches at the Stade de France, facing Japan on November 9, New Zealand on November 16, and Argentina on November 22. For this autumn tour, coach Fabien Galthié will have a larger squad of 42 players, compared to the 34 players available during the Six Nations Tournament.
This Wednesday, Galthié announced the roster in a press release, highlighting the key players who will represent France in these crucial matches. The seasoned squad, often referred to as “premium players,” includes Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, François Cros, Grégory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch, Nolann Le Garrec, Thomas Ramos, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Gaël Fickou, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Damian Penaud. Notably, Julien Marchand will not be part of the lineup.
Antoine Dupont’s Comeback
The standout news from this announcement is the return of Antoine Dupont to the French team. The star scrum-half has not played since the World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa on October 15, 2023. In the interim, Dupont achieved remarkable success, helping Stade Toulouse secure both the Champions Cup and Top 14 titles, and even winning Olympic gold with the French 7-a-side squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics. All eyes will be on him as he rejoins the team at Marcoussis.
Six Fresh Faces Join the Squad
This squad also welcomes six newcomers who may make their international debuts. Among them is Tongan-born fullback Tevita Tatafu (Bayonne, 22), who has been on the radar of the coaching staff and is now eligible to represent France. In the forward pack, flanker Pierre Bochaton (UBB, 23) and second-row players Mickaël Guillard (Lyon, 23) and Joshua Brennan (Toulouse, 22) are also making their first appearances. Additionally, center Paul Costes (Toulouse, 21) has earned a call-up following a standout season with his club. Three other uncapped players, all from UBB and previously training at Marcoussis, include hooker Maxime Lamothe, back-rower Romain Buros, and young third-rower Marko Gazzotti.
Key Absences from the Roster
Cardinals like Romain Ntamack will be missed due to a calf injury, and Thomas Ramos may step in to start at fly-half. Another notable absentee is UBB center Nicolas Depoortère, who is sidelined with a facial injury. Yoram Moefana remains eligible despite a previous red card, allowing Emilien Gailleton (Pau) to join the squad, while Teddy Thomas has been overlooked despite a successful transition to the center position in recent matches. Other injured players include Cyril Baille, Pierre Bourgarit, Posolo Tuilagi, and Paul Willemse.
Noteworthy Exclusions
The selection process has left several key players out of the squad. Cameron Woki has been omitted as his club, Racing 92, struggles this season. The scrum-half position is highly competitive, and Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon) and Baptiste Serin (Toulon) are left out despite impressive performances. Antoine Hastoy (La Rochelle) is also unavailable, with the selection committee opting for Léo Berdeu instead. Julien Marchand is dealing with muscular issues but is expected to return for the match against Japan.
Players embroiled in controversy this summer have also not been selected. Federative representatives have been vocal about the unlikelihood of Melvyn Jaminet’s return, following his recent gaffes. Moreover, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jégou, facing serious allegations, will remain excluded until their cases are resolved.
Training Starts on October 27
The 42-player squad will convene at Marcoussis on October 27, just two weeks before their first match against Japan. The initial training week will involve 23 players retained until Sunday, while the other 19 will return to their clubs for Top 14 matches on November 2-3. Each match week will keep a core group of 28 players on standby, while 14 will head back to their respective clubs. There will only be one instance of double duty on November 22, coinciding with France’s match against