Fly half Matthieu Jalibert leads a roster of French stars preparing to face New Zealand in the Nations Championship, despite facing challenges due to club commitments that have impacted Fabien Galthie’s squad.

Following a disappointing season where the European champions failed to reach the Top 14 play-offs, Jalibert and several of his Bordeaux Begles teammates have been included for France’s summer tour. The tight turnaround between the Top 14 final and the highly anticipated clash with the All Blacks on 4 July poses a challenge for players like Antoine Dupont, who are gearing up for the domestic decider against Montpellier at the Stade de France this Saturday.

Despite these hurdles, Galthie gains strength from key players, including Jalibert and Yoram Moefana in the backline, while Damian Penaud makes a return after being omitted from the Six Nations squad. Additionally, Maxime Lucu, pivotal in guiding Bordeaux Begles to consecutive Champions Cup titles, is poised to step in for Dupont during matches against the All Blacks, Japan, and Australia.

The squad also features seven uncapped players, including:

• Lock Tom Staniforth
• Wing Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, an Olympic gold medallist in sevens at Paris 2024.

France Squad for Nations Championship

Forwards: Moses Alo-Emile, Hugo Auradou, Demba Bamba, Pierre Bochaton, Esteban Capilla, Sipili Falatea, Marko Gazzotti, Mickael Gullard, Oscar Jegou, Maxime Lamothe, Barnabe Massa, Temo Matiu, Regis Montagne, Boris Palu, Jefferson Poirot, Tom Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Killian Tixeront, Reda Wardi.

Backs: Theo Attissogbe, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Nicolas Depoortere, Mathis Ferte, Theo Forner, Emilien Gailleton, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Damian Penaud, Max Spring.