France lose colossus for Ireland clash but another powerhouse returns

France head coach Fabien Galthie has been forced into making more changes to his Six Nations squad ahead of the opening weekend.

This comes after another injury in the second-row, with uncapped powerhouse lock Emmanuel Meafou ruled out for their opening game against Ireland.

Meafou looked set to earn his Test debut against the defending Six Nations champions but sustained a knee injury against Bath on Sunday in Toulouse’s 31-19 Investec Champions Cup victory.

Paul Willemse recalled

The injury to the Toulouse lock has opened the door for return for Montpellier second-row Paul Willemse.

Willemse has long been a favourite in Galthie’s side but has recently fallen out of favour mostly due to injury. He was involved with the squad in the build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup but withdrew after a thigh injury.

Reports from France state that Meafou has just been ruled out of the opening game against Ireland and could still make his debut in this Six Nations championship. The 25-year-old qualified for France last year through residency.

The New Zealand-born and Australian-raised lock joined Toulouse in 2019, and his recent performances have caught the attention of Galthie, who called him up to his squad at the first opportunity.

Having initially been left out of the squad, Willemse could be in the starting XV to face Ireland with one of the other lock options, which include Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabrillagues, and Matthias Halagahu.

Meanwhile, Meafou’s club team-mate Thibaud Flament will also miss the opening game and probably the second clash against Scotland.

Meafou’s withdrawal comes after the news of Anthony Jelonch’s ACL injury. The flanker also suffered the injury in the Investec Champions Cup match against Bath.

It’s the second ACL injury Jelonch has suffered in the last year. He has been replaced in the squad by the uncapped Toulouse back-row Alexandre Roumat.

France Six Nations squad to face Ireland

Forwards: Cyril Baille, Reda Wardi, Sebastien Taofifenua, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Thomas Laclayat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Gaetan Barlot, Paul Willemse, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabrillagues, Matthias Halagahu, Gregory Alldritt (c), Francois Cros, Alexandre Roumat, Charles Ollivon, Esteban Abadie, Paul Boudehent

Backs: Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Gibert, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, Matthis Lebel, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos