Saffa wins back spot in France’s Six Nations squad

South African-born forward Paul Willemse has been named in the French squad, which also boasts eight uncapped players, for the 2023 Six Nations.

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The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced coach Fabien Galthie’s 42-man squad for their Six Nations title defence in the upcoming tournament and there was a welcome return for Willemse.

The 30-year-old lock sustained a serious knee injury in May last year, forcing him to miss five of France’s Tests matches (three against Japan and one each against Australia and South Africa).

But that is now all behind him, as Willemse has regained full fitness and worked his way back into the Test fold.

Toulouse flank Francois Cros also makes his Test comeback after recovering from a knee issue.

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The uncapped players who are set to make their Test debuts at some point over the next few weeks are halfbacks Nolann Le Garrec and Leo Coly, outside backs Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Romain Buros, winger Ethan Dumortier, centres in Julien Delbouis and Emilien Gailleton and Paul Boudehent.

Notable absentees from the squad are Teddy Thomas, Cameron Woki, Gabin Villiere, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptise Gros and Killian Geraci.

Thomas has been overlooked by the coach, while the five others are ineligible for selection due to injury.

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Full France squad for Six Nations: 

Backs — Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles, Melvyn Jaminet (Toulouse), Thomas Ramos (Toulouse); Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux-Begles), Ethan Dumortier (Lyon), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Matthis Lebel (Toulouse); Pierre-Louis Barassi (Toulouse), Julien Delbouis (Stade Francais), Gael Fickou (Racing 92), Emilien Gailleton (Pau), Yoram Moefana (Bordeaux-Begles); Antoine Hastoy (La Rochelle), Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Begles), Romain Ntamack (Toulouse); Leo Coly (Montpellier), Antoine Dupont (Toulouse), Nolann Le Garrec (Racing 92). 

Forwards — Gregory Alldritt (La Rochelle), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier); Paul Boudehent (La Rochelle), Yacouba Camara (Montpellier), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Francois Cros (Toulouse), Anthony Jelonch (Toulouse), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Charles Ollivon (Toulon); Bastien Chalureau (Montpellier), Thibaud Flament (Toulouse), Thomas Jolmes (Bordeaux-Begles), Thomas Lavault (La Rochelle), Romain Taofifenua (Lyon), Paul Willemse (Montpellier); Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Mohamed Haouas (Montpellier), Sipili Falatea (Bordeaux-Begles), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Julien Marchand (Toulouse), Teddy Baubigny (Toulon), Cyril Baille (Toulouse), Dany Priso (Toulon), Reda Wardi (La Rochelle).