Thirteen players have been called up to a France training camp in Marcoussis to prepare for the inaugural Nations Championship this summer.
The players will join the group already comprised of players from the France XV, who recently emerged victorious over England XV.
There have been familiar call-ups for the likes of Matthieu Jalibert, Oscar Jegou and Maxime Lucu, but most notably, there is a return for record try scorer Damian Penaud.
The 2025 Investec Player of the Year was unceremoniously dropped ahead of the 2026 Six Nations after concerns were raised surrounding his defensive work rate. Now it seems that he is being given an opportunity to redeem himself.
Penaud switched to outside centre during the latter stages of the season, proving particularly effective in Bordeaux’s Champions Cup success. His ability to play 13 may concern Gaël Fickou, however, who has not been included in the provisional squad. But then again, neither has Louis Bielle-Biarrey nor Cameron Woki, who are likely being rested. Grégory Alldritt is also absent, but through injury.
No Toulouse or Montpellier stars have been considered for selection, due to the Top 14 final, which is set to take place on June 27.
France call-ups: Moses Alo-Emile, Hugo Auradou, Demba Bamba, Théo Forner, Émilien Gailleton, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Loïs Guérois, Matthieu Jalibert, Oscar Jegou, Maxime Lucu, Damian Penaud, Max Spring, Tevita Tatafu.
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France squad: Théo Attissogbe, Max Spring, Christian Ambadiang, Mathis Ferté, Damian Penaud, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Théo Forner, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Nicolas Depoortere, Yoram Moefana, Emilien Gailleton, Louis Le Brun, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Baptiste Jauneau, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Marko Gazzotti, Killian Tixeront, Temo Matiu, Esteban Capilla, Pierre Bochaton, Oscar Jegou, Tom Staniforth, Boris Palu, Hugo Auradou, Mickaël Guillard, Reda Wardi, Jefferson Poirot, Loïs Guérois, Maxime Lamothe, Barnabé Massa, Lucas Martin, Régis Montagne, Sipili Falatea, Emerick Setiano, Tevita Tatafu, Moses Alo-Émile, Demba Bamba.
Fixtures