Fabien Galthie has been forced to include 23 uncapped players in France’s squad for their three-Test series against Australia after players set to compete in the Top 14 final are unavailable for selection due to quarantine restrictions.
In what will be a repeat of the Champions Cup final, Toulouse and La Rochelle had progressed to the Top 14 title decider after winning their respective semi-finals against Bordeaux and Racing 92.
Galthie had to wait until after those two playoff matches to compete his selection, with players from Toulouse and La Rochelle not in contention for selection after French rugby authorities decided that Covid-19 quarantine rules meant it would be impractical for them to fly out to Australia later.
Castres flank Anthony Jelonch has been appointed captain for the tour, after Toulon flank Charles Ollivon was ruled out for up to six months with an ACL injury to his left knee. The injury occurred on the final day of the regular season while playing for Toulon.
In total, there are 23 uncapped players including Perpignan fullback Melvyn Jaminet, who has never played above Pro D2, and Pau scrumhalf Clovis Le Bail, who is called up at the age of 26.
The squad contains a strong representation from their successful U20 sides, which went on to win to win successive world titles in 2018 and 2019.
Damian Penaud, Teddy Thomas and Romain Taofifenua are the only players in the 42-man squad with more than 20 international caps.
France squad
Forwards – Jean-Baptiste Gros, Enzo Forletta Quentin Walcker, Demba Bamba, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Sipili Falatea, Gaetan Barlot, Etienne Fourcade, Anthony Etrillard, Killian Geraci, Romain Taofifenua, Baptiste Pesenti, Florent Vanverberghe, Pierre-Henry Azagoh, Cyril Cazeaux, Dylan Cretin, Ibrahim Diallo, Alexandre Becognee, Alexandre Fischer, Anthony Jelonch, Sekou Macalou, Cameron Woki, Patrick Sobela.
Backs – Baptiste Couilloud, Clovis Le Bail, Teddy Iribaren, Louis Carbonel, Antoine Hastoy, Joris Segonds, Jonathan Danty, Tani Vili, Arthur Vincent, Julien Heriteau, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Gabin Villiere, Alivereti Raka, Damian Penaud, Teddy Thomas, Romain Buros, Anthony Bouthier, Gervais Cordin, Melvyn Jaminet.
Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
