In a decisive reshuffle, Bordeaux-Bègles, despite their recent Top 14 playoff miss, have emerged as the predominant contributors to the France A squad. This squad is set to host England A in Vannes this coming Friday. Among the notable inclusions is Jefferson Poirot, making a return to the national fold for the first time since 2020, alongside the uncapped winger Christian Ambadiang, showcasing his Cameroonian heritage on the international stage.
The failure of Bordeaux-Bègles to secure a Top 14 playoff spot has inadvertently positioned them to heavily influence the national setup. They contribute nine players to the 28-man squad selected by coach Fabien Galthié. This selection follows their eighth-place finish in the league, underscored by a nail-biting loss to Clermont on June 6. Galthié, who completed his squad after the playoff outcomes were known, now sees Bordeaux as providing the backbone for the upcoming Nations Championship preparatory match.
The squad from Bordeaux includes a mix of seasoned and fresh talent, with two backs, midfielders Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere, and a robust contingent of seven forwards. These include back-rowers Pierre Bochaton, Marko Gazzotti, Temo Matiu, lock Boris Palu, hooker Maxime Lamothe, and props Sipili Falatea and the returning Jefferson Poirot.
"I feel my motivation is not at its maximum. I always promised myself I would be at 100 percent when playing for France, to not lie. Les Bleus, it’s the Holy Grail. I can’t go and play for them and just take my cap and my bonus,"
Poirot's return is particularly poignant. Having stepped away from international rugby in 2020 due to a dip in motivation following the 2019 World Cup, his comeback at 33 signals a renewed vigor and a desire to once again represent his country at the highest level. This reintroduction to international rugby via the France A team serves as a prelude to next month’s Nations Championship, where France will face formidable opponents such as New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Other clubs also feature in the squad with Pau, La Rochelle, Clermont, and Castres providing valuable players. Notably, Castres offers up the promising Christian Ambadiang, a winger of Cameroonian descent set to make his debut on the international stage.
The composition of this team not only reflects the immediate tactical needs but also underscores a broader strategy aimed at integrating emerging talents such as Ambadiang with experienced players like Poirot. As the squad prepares, the blend of youth and experience is expected to enrich the team dynamics, offering a glimpse into the future of French rugby.
As the Nations Championship approaches, the selected players, including those participating in the Top 14 final on June 28, will have their mettle tested, starting with a challenging opener against the All Blacks in Christchurch on July 4. This series not only offers a platform for redemption but also an opportunity for new talents to shine on the international rugby stage.
France A squad v England A: Prop: Sipili Falatea, Régis Montagne, Jefferson Poirot, Emerick Setiano, Reda Wardi. Hooker: Maxime Lamothe, Lucas Martin, Barnabé Massa. Lock: Mickaël Guillard, Boris Palu, Tom Staniforth. Back-row: Pierre Bochaton, Esteban Capilla, Marko Gazzotti, Temo Matiu, Killian Tixeront. Scrum-half: Baptiste Jauneau, Nolann Le Garrec. Fly-half: Axel Desper