French Rugby Squad Announced for Nations Championship

The French national rugby team, known as Les Bleus, has revealed its squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, set to take place in the Southern Hemisphere. Head coach Fabien Galthié has selected a group of 39 players, with a significant contingent of 12 players hailing from the Bordeaux-Begles club, who recently clinched the European championship title.

Among the notable inclusions is Damian Penaud, a record try-scorer for the French national team, who returns after being sidelined during the previous Six Nations tournament. He is joined by his Bordeaux-Begles teammate Matthieu Jalibert. However, player Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been rested for this series.

The squad will prepare for matches against New Zealand on July 4, Australia on July 11, and Japan on July 18. An initial list of 28 players was announced earlier in the week, but 13 additional players have now been called up. The final composition of the team will be determined following the Top 14 final match between Toulouse and Montpellier.