The upcoming match between France A and England A is set to take place in Vannes this Friday. The squad announced by France features a strong representation from Bordeaux-Bègles, who failed to qualify for the Top 14 play-offs. This decision has introduced nine players from the club into the 28-member squad.
France A Squad Overview
Under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthié, the squad includes a mix of seasoned talent and emerging players. Bordeaux-Bègles had a challenging season, finishing eighth in the league after losing to Clermont on June 6. This final match missed the opportunity to qualify for the Top 14 play-offs.
Bordeaux-Bègles’ Influence
The nine players representing Bordeaux-Bègles include:
- Yoram Moefana – Midfielder
- Nicolas Depoortere – Midfielder
- Pierre Bochaton – Back-row
- Marko Gazzotti – Back-row
- Temo Matiu – Back-row
- Boris Palu – Lock
- Maxime Lamothe – Hooker
- Sipili Falatea – Prop
- Jefferson Poirot – Prop
Jefferson Poirot’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, as he returns to the national team after six years. He originally stepped back from international rugby following a lack of motivation after France’s 2019 World Cup exit. At 33, Poirot aims to reignite his career during this match against England A.
Other Squad Contributors
Additionally, players from other clubs have been called up to join the squad for the warm-up match:
- Four players from Pau:
- Axel Desperes – Fly-half
- Fabien Brau-Boirie – Centre
- Grégoire Arfeuil – Winger
- Théo Attissogbe – Winger
- Three players from La Rochelle:
- Reda Wardi – Prop
- Nolann Le Garrec – Scrum-half
- Antoine Hastoy – Fly-half
- Four players from Clermont:
- Barnabé Massa – Hooker
- Régis Montagne – Prop
- Killian Tixeront – Flanker
- Baptiste Jauneau – Scrum-half
- Three players from Castres:
- Tom Staniforth – Lock
- Louis Le Brun – Fly-half
- Christian Ambadiang – Winger
Nations Championship Ahead
Looking forward, the upcoming Nations Championship is a critical event for France. They enter as the reigning Six Nations champions, having secured a dramatic victory over England in March. Following the Top 14 semi-finals, Galthié will finalize a larger squad of 42 players for the championship.
This squad will also include those participating in the Top 14 final. However, players involved in that match will be unavailable for the Nations Championship opener against New Zealand scheduled for July 4 in Christchurch.
