France Unveils 42-Man Squad for 2026 Six Nations

France coach Fabien Galthie unveiled a 42-man squad for the 2026 Six Nations on Wednesday, dropping several key players including all-time leading try-scorer Damian Penaud, former captain Gregory Alldritt and experienced centre Gael Fickou, while welcoming back star scrum-half Antoine Dupont from a long-term injury. The selections signal a significant refresh ahead of the tournament, which begins next month with France hosting Ireland in Paris on February 5 as the reigning champions seek to defend their title.

The omissions represent a bold shift in Galthie's approach, prioritizing a mix of emerging talent and established performers over some of the team's most decorated names. Penaud, who holds the record for most tries in French Test history, along with Alldritt, who stepped in as captain during Dupont's absence last season, and Fickou, who has earned nearly 100 caps, were all left out despite their recent contributions. At 28, Alldritt's exclusion follows his deputizing role in the 2025 championship and comes after he missed selection for France's autumn internationals last year. Reports indicated he had expressed reluctance to participate in an upcoming tour, though...