France release 19, including former captain, back to their clubs

France have sent 19 players back to their clubs for the next round of Top 14 action this weekend.

Fabien Galthie announced his 42-man France squad last week which assembled at their base in Marcoussis on Sunday and Monday, but with no match this weekend for Les Bleus and domestic action continuing, plenty of clubs will be bolstered by the return of some of their stars.

Former captain Charles Ollivon is just one of a number of seasoned internationals who will be playing this weekend, as his Toulon side will be looking to bounce back from a humbling 57-5 loss to Toulouse when they host Lyon.

The squad has already been dealt its share of injuries, with tighthead prop Uini Atonio withdrawing from the camp alongside the uncapped duo of Lyon fly-half Léo Berdeu and Bordeaux-Begles back row Pierre Bochaton. The three players who came in to replace them, Regis Montagne, Antoine Hastoy and Cameron Woki, are all part of the departing cohort of players this weekend.

The majority of players will return after the weekend as France prepare to host Japan at the Stade de France, followed by clashes with the All Blacks and Argentina.

France's released players: 

Théo ATTISSOGBE

Joshua BRENNAN

Romain BUROS

Jonathan DANTY

Antoine FRISCH

Marko GAZZOTTI

Antoine HASTOY

Anthony JELONCH

Maxime LAMOTHE

Mathis LEBEL

Maxime LUCU

Yoram MOEFANA

Régis MONTAGNE

Lenni NOUCHI

Charles OLLIVON

Romain TAOFIFENUA

Sébastien TAOFIFENUA

Gabin VILLIÈRE

Cameron WOKI