Fabien Galthie has been dealt another backline blow ahead of France’s opening Six Nations match against Wales.
Centres Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou are set to miss at least the start of the tournament through injury with winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey the latest star to be withdrawn from contention.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey in doubt
The Bordeaux man was a standout for Les Bleus during the Autumn Nations Series scoring in each of their three matches against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina, dotting down twice against the Brave Blossoms.
The 21-year-old has continued that form in club colours crossing for 12 tries in 12 appearances for Bordeaux, dotting down seven times in the Top 14 and five times in the Champions Cup.
His form earned him a recall to the France squad but he looks set to miss the opening game at least after missing Bordeaux’s final Champions Cup match against the Sharks after withdrawing from the matchday 23.
According to a report by Midi Olympique, Bielle-Biarrey suffered from dizziness after an inner ear problem which resulted in him missing Bordeaux’s emphatic 66-12 victory.
In his absence, Damian Penaud scored a mind-boggling six tries against the Sharks. The 28-year-old missed the Autumn Nations Series fixtures through injury but has returned in stellar form for his club. He is a favourite to start on one of the wings for France during the Six Nations with Gabin Villiere likely to fill the number 11 jersey.
France have confirmed that Clermont speedster Killian Tixeront has been called into the squad as Bielle-Biarrey’s replacement after impressing against Bristol Bears this weekend. Tixeront earned his Test debut last July against Argentina but was not retained in the squad for the November internationals.
The report adds that there is uncertainty about how long Bielle-Biarrey will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, there is a further blow in the forward pack with Racing 92 lock Romain Taofifenua sustaining a knee injury in Stuart Lancaster side’s victory over the Stormers on Saturday night.
The second-rower was forced off the pitch early in the second half and has now been replaced in Galthie’s squad by Lyon’s Mickaël Guillard.
The forward’s injury follows that of Charles Ollivon and Alexandre Roumat.
France kick off their campaign against Wales on January 31 at the Stade de France before they head to the Allianz Stadium to tackle England.
After the fallow week, Les Bleus face Italy and Ireland away before completing their campaign at home against Scotland.
Six Nations squads: All the men’s teams named for the 2025 Championship
Updated France Six Nations squad
Forwards: Esteban Abadie, Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Giorgi Beria, Paul Boudehent, Joshua Brennan, Georges-Henri Colombe, Francois Cros, Marko Gazzotti, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickaël Guillard, Matthias Halagahu, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Dany Priso, Rabah Slimani
Backs: Theo Attissogbe, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Leo Barre, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Antoine Dupont (c), Antoine Frisch, Emilien Gailleton, Matthieu Jalibert, Nolann le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Romain Ntamack, Damien Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Killian Tixeront, Gabin Villiere
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/france-louis-bielle-biarrey-in-doubt-for-six-nations-opener-as-clermont-flyer-called-up-to-fabien-galthies-squad
