France’s star players are entering the 2025 Six Nations at the peak of their form, as demonstrated by their performances in the Champions Cup. In Bordeaux’s dominant win over the Sharks and Toulouse’s impressive victory against Leicester, key French players such as Damian Penaud, Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Thibaud Flament showcased their exceptional skills. This momentum from the Top 14’s top teams, both of which are excelling on the European stage, will undoubtedly propel France’s national team into the tournament.
After a challenging post-World Cup period, France has shown signs of recovery, with three wins during the autumn internationals, including a narrow victory over New Zealand. While the 2027 World Cup remains the primary focus, the Six Nations this year holds the potential for significant achievements. Penaud is just two tries away from equaling Serge Blanco’s record of 38 international tries, and Thomas Ramos is quickly approaching Frédéric Michalak’s 436-point tally. Ramos, who impressed during the autumn campaign as a fly-half, is expected to return to his more familiar full-back role as Ntamack makes his long-awaited return from an 18-month injury absence.
The competition for spots in the squad is fierce, especially in the fly-half position, where Bordeaux’s Matthieu Jalibert is also vying for a place. Jalibert had a strained relationship with head coach Fabien Galthié during the autumn internationals, but their differences appear to have been resolved, with the 26-year-old now back in the fold. Dupont, who missed the 2024 Six Nations due to his Olympic sevens commitments, returns with added experience and a heightened status within the national team. His time with the sevens team, where he won a gold medal, has enhanced his skills, particularly in rucking and one-on-one duels.
Injuries to key players such as Gaël Fickou and Jonathan Danty have opened the door for new faces to step up. One notable inclusion is 20-year-old Dax centre Noah Nene, whose impressive performances in the Pro D2, including a standout solo try, have earned him a surprise call-up to the squad. The presence of younger players like Léo Barré, Nicolas Depoortère, and Nolann Le Garrec adds further depth to the team, with Barré’s versatility in the backline making him a strong contender for more playing time.
Despite the excitement surrounding the squad’s talent, the inclusion of Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jégou has sparked controversy. Both players had been detained during France’s tour of Argentina last summer due to charges of aggravated rape, which were later dismissed in December. The French Rugby Federation (FFR) considers them “innocent” following the court’s decision, but their return to the national team has raised questions, particularly given the FFR’s recent efforts to tighten player conduct rules. These rules, introduced after a series of incidents including Melvyn Jaminet’s racist remark and the infamous post-match drinking sessions, aim to improve the image of French rugby. The inclusion of Auradou and Jégou so soon after their legal troubles suggests a potential disconnect between the FFR’s stated goals and their actions.
The upcoming Six Nations will be a critical test for France as they aim to build on their recent successes and challenge for the title. With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, Les Bleus are well-positioned to make a strong impact, but the controversies surrounding certain players may continue to overshadow the team’s preparations.
