The key facts
- Gregory Alldritt (29 years old, 58 caps) returned to the squad after a year away
- Seven newcomers called up to the 42-player squad due to injuries
- France will play Fiji on 7 November, South Africa on 13 November and Argentina on 21 November
Alldritt's return
Flanker Gregory Alldritt has returned to the France squad after a year away. In November 2025 he captained Les Bleus in the match against Australia in the absence of Antoine Dupont, but has not played since. According to AFP, the 29-year-old La Rochelle player (number 8) lost his place in Galthié's set-up and then missed the first part of the Nations Championship in July due to a calf injury. He is now in contention for a place in the second part of the 12-team tournament, including the meeting with the two-time reigning world champions South Africa on 13 November in Paris.
Seven newcomers and squad problems
Galthié named an extended 42-player squad that includes seven players without international caps. Alongside Alldritt, the squad includes prop Reda Wardi, lock Tyler Duguid and fly-half Axel Desperres. Also uncapped are prop Karl Sorin (La Rochelle), Théo Forner (Perpignan), Esteban Capilla (Bayonne) and Mathis Ferté (Toulon). The squad includes Stade Français centre Tani Vili and his club-mate Jeremy Ward, born in South Africa, who, according to AFP, will only be eligible to play for France next year, shortly before the World Cup in Australia. The squad is weakened by injuries: out of action this season are Toulouse players Julien Marchand, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou and Thomas Ramos, as well as Matthieu Jalibert of Bordeaux-Bègles.
November schedule
France will open the November series with a match against Fiji on 7 November in Lyon, then play South Africa on 13 November in Paris, and face Argentina on 21 November.
