France Rugby Squad Announced for Six Nations: Noah Nene Included
France has officially revealed their 42-player Six Nations squad, with some notable inclusions and returns grabbing the spotlight. The uncapped 20-year-old centre, Noah Nene, playing for second-tier Dax, has been named in the squad, marking a significant milestone in his young career.
Rising Star Noah Nene Makes His Mark
Noah Nene, previously a fringe member of France’s under-20s team, has caught the attention of selectors with his impressive performances while on loan from parent club Stade Francais. Establishing himself as a first-choice in Dax’s midfield, Nene’s selection is a testament to his hard work and talent, promising an exciting future for the young player.
Returns and Notable Absences
Fly-half Romain Ntamack makes a long-awaited return to the France squad after more than a year, overcoming a serious knee injury and a recent calf problem. The captain, Antoine Dupont, is back in action after missing the previous Six Nations to focus on France’s sevens gold bid at Paris 2024. However, experienced players Charles Ollivon and Gael Fickou are sidelined due to injuries, paving the way for fresh faces like Joshua Brennan to make their mark.
Controversy and Coach’s Decision
The squad announcement hasn’t been without its share of controversy, as forwards Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, previously involved in a rape accusation during France’s summer tour of Argentina, have been included. Coach Fabien Galthie defended his decision, emphasizing that the case was dropped, and the players should be considered innocent until proven otherwise.
Exciting Match-Up Ahead
France, who finished as runners-up in the past two Six Nations tournaments, are gearing up for an exciting clash against Wales in their opening match on Friday, 31 January. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the French squad is poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming tournament.
As fans eagerly await the kick-off of the Six Nations, the selection of Noah Nene and the return of key players like Romain Ntamack add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the competition. Keep an eye on these rising stars and seasoned players as they take the field and battle it out for rugby glory.
