Six Nations 2026: Dupont’s return, missing stars and support issues – how France prepares to defend

Head coach Fabien Galthie has some of the best rugby players on the planet at his disposal, but much of the spotlight in recent weeks has been focused on the well-known names who will not be lining up in the French capital on Thursday.

Galthie caused a stir last month when he revealed a 42-man squad without Gregory Alldret, Gael Fico and Damien Benaud.

All three have been big players in the Test arena in recent years.

Penaud’s national record stands at 40 tries in 59 caps, including four against Ireland, and while there are question marks over his defensive abilities, it is difficult to reckon with the fact that his insatiable appetite for try-scoring which has so often torched the Six Nations is not currently part of the French arsenal.

The upside for France is that with Benaud out, Theo Atesogbe starts on the right wing. The 21-year-old had an injury-ravaged season with Pau, but scored three tries in two Six Nations matches last year.

In-form left winger Louis-Bel-Billard has scored 18 tries in 17 games this season, so even without Benaud’s finishing prowess, France will be lethal out wide.

Fico’s absence deprives France of a 98-cap veteran, but Galthie has a wealth of options in midfield. Bordeaux duo Yoram Moivana and Nicolas Deporter, who will start against Ireland, are 25 and 23 respectively, while Toulouse’s Calvin George is a very exciting option in the reserves.

Considering that Alldrete took over for an injured DuPont team last year, his absence was particularly notable. Anthony Jelonche is benefiting from Aldrete’s absence. He has not started a Six Nations match in three years and has not started eight for France since the 2023 World Cup.