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19 uncapped played in France's Six Nations squad... and Galthie also reveals a new captain
By Online Editors
Toulon flanker Charles Ollivon will captain France in this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship. The 26-year-old’s first match in charge is against England at Stade de France on February 2.
Ollivon, whose appointment was announced by the French Rugby Federation, takes over from Guilhem Guirado, who has retired from Test rugby. It is the first key playing appointment of new Les Blues’ head coach Fabien Galthie’s reign.
“I will take advantage of every second because it is a great honour,” Ollivon told the FFR website. “Fabien called me when I was at home. It was a special moment. I look forward to starting this new adventure.
"This is close to my heart. I come from a territory where identity is strong. So no doubt that when it comes to the France jersey and what it represents, that speaks to me. It is a thing apart because it is the highest level we can reach... responsibilities are entrusted to me and I want to be up to the task. I will give everything for this team."
Galthie, meanwhile, has named a 42-man squad ahead of the tournament, including 19 uncapped players. The list of international rookies includes Lyon lock Killian Geraci, Clermont Auvergne back row forward Alexandre Fischer, plus backs Maxime Lucu, Louis Carbonel and Arthur Vincent.
And among a number of established names to miss out are wing Yoann Huget, fly-half Camille Lopez, scrum-half Maxime Machenaud, prop Ribah Slimani and flanker Wenceslas Lauret.
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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