Montpellier lock Paul Willemse says it would be ‘unbelievable’ to play for France in the upcoming Six Nations.
The former Junior Bok and Bull was included in France’s 31-man training squad for the Six Nations and could make his Test debut next month.
Willemse was expected to play for France last November, having served the three-year residential period, but French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte has insisted that possession of a French passport is a requirement for the national team.
Willemse received his French citizenship on 28 November and has applied for his French passport.
‘To be included in the France squad is definitely one of the biggest moments of my life,’ the 26-year-old told Rapport newspaper.
‘I want to play Test rugby. It would be unbelievable to be able to play in the Six Nations.
‘I’m really enjoying my rugby. I could not be in a better place in my life.’
Willemse said he had lost 12kg since the start of the European season and that the prospect of being selected by France had motivated him to improve his conditioning. He now weighs 132kg.
Photo: Alexandre Dimou/Getty Images
