France Rugby has named a 42-player preparation squad for the November 2026 Nations Championship, with head coach Fabien Galthié bringing back Grégory Alldritt and selecting Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Louis Bielle-Biarrey for the final three regular-season rounds.

The original squad was announced Oct. 21, with four replacements reported by Oct. 26 following further availability changes.

France enters November first in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 12 championship points, one ahead of Scotland and two ahead of England and Ireland.

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Les Bleus begin their November campaign against Fiji on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, before hosting South Africa and Argentina at Stade de France.

Below is France's updated 42-player preparation group and FloRugby's predicted starting XV and replacements for the Fiji match.

France Rugby Nations Championship Roster 2026: Full Squad

Galthié initially selected 42 players on Oct. 21 to prepare for the November Nations Championship.

The group is an extended preparation squad, not a confirmed matchday team.

By Oct. 26, four replacements had been reported:

• Anthony Jelonch replaced Marko Gazzotti. 
• Thomas Laclayat replaced Karl Sorin. 
• Louis Le Brun replaced Antoine Hastoy. 
• Nicolas Depoortere replaced Fabien Brau-Boirie.

The roster below incorporates those changes.

France Rugby Forwards

Props

• Jean-Baptiste Gros — Loosehead prop — RC Toulon
• Jefferson Poirot — Loosehead prop — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Reda Wardi — Loosehead prop — Stade Rochelais
• Sipili Falatea — Tighthead prop — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Thomas Laclayat — Tighthead prop — Racing 92
• Tevita Tatafu — Tighthead prop — Aviron Bayonnais

Hookers

• Guillaume Cramont — Hooker — Aviron Bayonnais
• Maxime Lamothe — Hooker — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Peato Mauvaka — Hooker — Stade Toulousain

Locks

• Hugo Auradou — Lock — Section Paloise
• Joshua Brennan — Lock — Stade Toulousain
• Tyler Duguid — Lock — Montpellier Hérault Rugby
• Mickaël Guillard — Lock — Lyon OU
• Tom Staniforth — Lock — Castres Olympique

Back-Row Forwards

• Grégory Alldritt — No. 8 — Stade Rochelais
• Paul Boudehent — Back row — Stade Rochelais
• Esteban Capilla — Back row — Aviron Bayonnais
• François Cros — Flanker — Stade Toulousain
• Alexandre Fischer — Flanker — Aviron Bayonnais
• Anthony Jelonch — Back row — Stade Toulousain
• Oscar Jégou — Back row — Stade Rochelais
• Charles Ollivon — Back row — RC Toulon
• Cameron Woki — Back row/lock — Union Bordeaux Bègles

Total forwards: 23

France Rugby Backs

Scrum-Halves

• Antoine Dupont — Scrum-half — Stade Toulousain
• Nolann Le Garrec — Scrum-half — Stade Rochelais
• Maxime Lucu — Scrum-half — Union Bordeaux Bègles

Fly-Halves

• Axel Desperes — Fly-half — Section Paloise
• Louis Le Brun — Fly-half — Lyon OU
• Romain Ntamack — Fly-half — Stade Toulousain

Centers

• Nicolas Depoortere — Center — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Émilien Gailleton — Center — Section Paloise
• Kalvin Gourgues — Center — Stade Toulousain
• Yoram Moefana — Center — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Tani Vili — Center — Stade Français Paris
• Jeremy Ward — Center, training partner — Stade Français Paris

Wings And Fullbacks

• Théo Attissogbe — Wing — Section Paloise
• Léo Barré — Fullback — Stade Français Paris
• Louis Bielle-Biarrey — Wing — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Mathis Ferté — Wing/fullback — RC Toulon
• Théo Forner — Wing — USA Perpignan
• Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang — Wing — Section Paloise
• Damian Penaud — Wing — Union Bordeaux Bègles

Total backs: 19

Total preparation group: 42 players

Eligibility note: Jeremy Ward is included in the preparation group as a training partner. He is not eligible to represent France in November 2026 and therefore is not a candidate for the matchday 23.

The roster reflects the Oct. 26 reporting cutoff. Further changes may occur before France's opening match.

France Rugby Predicted Starting XV Vs. Fiji: Nov. 7, 2026

France begins the November Nations Championship against Fiji at Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET, equivalent to 9:10 p.m. local time. The following is FloRugby's editorial prediction, not an official France team announcement.

All 23 predicted players are drawn from the updated preparation group and are eligible for France selection.

Predicted France Starting XV

1. Jean-Baptiste Gros — Loosehead prop — RC Toulon
2. Peato Mauvaka — Hooker — Stade Toulousain
3. Tevita Tatafu — Tighthead prop — Aviron Bayonnais
4. Mickaël Guillard — Lock — Lyon OU
5. Charles Ollivon — Lock — RC Toulon
6. François Cros — Blindside flanker — Stade Toulousain
7. Paul Boudehent — Openside flanker — Stade Rochelais
8. Grégory Alldritt — No. 8 — Stade Rochelais
9. Antoine Dupont — Scrum-half, predicted captain — Stade Toulousain
10. Romain Ntamack — Fly-half — Stade Toulousain
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey — Left wing — Union Bordeaux Bègles
12. Yoram Moefana — Inside center — Union Bordeaux Bègles
13. Émilien Gailleton — Outside center — Section Paloise
14. Damian Penaud — Right wing — Union Bordeaux Bègles
15. Léo Barré — Fullback — Stade Français Paris

Predicted France Replacements

• Maxime Lamothe — Hooker — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Reda Wardi — Loosehead prop — Stade Rochelais
• Sipili Falatea — Tighthead prop — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Hugo Auradou — Lock — Section Paloise
• Anthony Jelonch — Back row — Stade Toulousain
• Cameron Woki — Back row/lock — Union Bordeaux Bègles
• Nolann Le Garrec — Scrum-half — Stade Rochelais
• Nicolas Depoortere — Center — Union Bordeaux Bègles

Prediction status: France has not announced its official matchday 23 against Fiji. Dupont is the predicted captain for this lineup, not a separately confirmed matchday appointment.

The prediction uses a six-forward, two-back bench. That configuration would allow France to maintain substantial forward depth while relying on the versatility of its starting backs and replacements.

Why These Players Could Start For France

Antoine Dupont And Romain Ntamack Could Reunite

Dupont and Ntamack are the predicted starting halfback combination. Their established understanding provides France with an experienced partnership at the center of its attack. Dupont offers speed around the breakdown, a strong kicking game and the ability to create opportunities from limited space.

Ntamack gives France another experienced decision-maker at fly-half. With Matthieu Jalibert unavailable through injury, Ntamack becomes a particularly important option in the No. 10 jersey.

Nolann Le Garrec is a strong alternative at scrum-half, while Maxime Lucu offers additional experience.

Grégory Alldritt's Return Changes The Back Row

Alldritt returns to France's preparation squad after missing the 2026 Six Nations selection.

His availability gives Galthié an established No. 8 option for the November campaign. This prediction pairs him with François Cros and Paul Boudehent.

Cros offers defensive work rate and breakdown discipline, while Boudehent provides physicality and carrying ability. Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Cameron Woki and Oscar Jégou give France several alternative combinations.

Ollivon is predicted to start in the second row, but he could also feature in the back row.

France's Injuries Create A Different Front Five

France is missing several established forwards, including locks Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou, hooker Julien Marchand and prop Demba Bamba.

Those absences increase the importance of the available front-row and lock options. Mauvaka is the predicted starting hooker, with Gros and Tatafu at prop.

Guillard and Ollivon are selected in the predicted second row, although Hugo Auradou, Joshua Brennan, Tyler Duguid and Tom Staniforth are also in the preparation group.

The final combination could depend on how Galthié wants to balance mobility, lineout strength and scrummaging against Fiji.

France's Back Three Without Thomas Ramos

Thomas Ramos' absence creates an opening at fullback.

Léo Barré is the predicted starter at No. 15. On the wings, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud give France two established attacking threats. Moefana is predicted at inside center, with Gailleton outside him.

Nicolas Depoortere and Kalvin Gourgues are alternative midfield options. France also has additional back-three depth through Théo Attissogbe, Mathis Ferté, Théo Forner and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang.

Who Is In France's 2026 Nations Championship Squad?

France's October preparation group combines established internationals, returning players and several uncapped prospects. Dupont, Ntamack, Mauvaka, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt, Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey provide an experienced core.

Alldritt's return is one of the most significant selections. The Stade Rochelais No. 8 had been omitted from the 2026 Six Nations squad and last represented France in November 2025.

Penaud also returns to the November preparation group after featuring during the July Nations Championship window. France's younger selections include Esteban Capilla, Axel Desperes, Mathis Ferté, Théo Forner and Tani Vili.

The preparation group is particularly interesting because injuries have removed several established options from the front five, fly-half and fullback.

Galthié must balance the need to win the inaugural Nations Championship with opportunities to develop depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Who Is France's Rugby Captain And Head Coach In 2026?

Fabien Galthié is France's head coach.

Antoine Dupont is France's established national-team captain and is included in the October preparation squad.

However, the official captain for the opening November match against Fiji will be confirmed with the matchday team. Dupont is the predicted captain in FloRugby's lineup. France also has experienced leadership options in players such as Charles Ollivon and Grégory Alldritt.

The November campaign provides an opportunity for France to convert its first-place position into a place in the inaugural Nations Championship Grand Final.

Which Players Are New To France's Nations Championship Squad?

Several players received notable opportunities in the original October preparation group.

Esteban Capilla — Aviron Bayonnais

• The back-row forward was among the uncapped players selected for the initial 42-player group.

Axel Desperes — Section Paloise

• The young fly-half provides another option at No. 10 while France manages injuries among its established playmakers.

Mathis Ferté — RC Toulon

• Ferté is an uncapped outside back who offers pace and versatility.

Théo Forner — USA Perpignan

• Forner earned selection following strong club performances, adding another wing option to France's preparation group.

Tani Vili — Stade Français Paris

• The center is another uncapped player included in the October group.

Jeremy Ward — Stade Français Paris

• Ward is an important distinction: he was included as a training partner but is not eligible to play for France until 2027 under the applicable residency requirements.

Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Laclayat, Louis Le Brun and Nicolas Depoortere were subsequently reported as replacements in the updated group.

Being named in the preparation squad does not guarantee selection for a November Test.

Which France Rugby Players Are Injured Or Missing?

France's October preparations have been affected by several significant injuries.

Reported absences include:

• Matthieu Jalibert — Fly-half
• Thomas Ramos — Fullback
• Thibaud Flament — Lock
• Emmanuel Meafou — Lock
• Pierre-Louis Barassi — Center
• Julien Marchand — Hooker
• Demba Bamba — Prop

The absences of Jalibert and Ramos affect two important backline positions.

Flament and Meafou are significant losses in the second row, while Marchand's absence reduces France's experienced hooker options. Further squad changes were reported by Oct. 26, with Gazzotti, Sorin, Hastoy and Brau-Boirie replaced in the preparation group.

Those changes should not all be described as season-ending injuries or proof that the players will miss every November match. France's final availability picture will become clearer as the squad prepares for Fiji.

Which Top 14 Clubs Have The Most Players In France's 2026 Squad?

Union Bordeaux Bègles supplies the largest contingent in France's updated 42-player preparation group.

The club breakdown is:

• Union Bordeaux Bègles: 9 players.
• Stade Toulousain: 7 players.
• Stade Rochelais: 5 players.
• Section Paloise: 5 players.
• Aviron Bayonnais: 4 players.
• RC Toulon: 3 players.
• Stade Français Paris: 3 players.
• Lyon OU: 2 players.
• Montpellier Hérault Rugby: 1 player.
• Castres Olympique: 1 player.
• Racing 92: 1 player.
• USA Perpignan: 1 player.

Total: 42 players.

Bordeaux Bègles contributes Bielle-Biarrey, Penaud, Moefana, Depoortere, Lucu, Falatea, Lamothe, Poirot and Woki.

Toulouse's seven players include Dupont, Ntamack, Mauvaka, Cros, Jelonch, Brennan and Gourgues. La Rochelle supplies Alldritt, Boudehent, Jégou, Wardi and Le Garrec. Pau and Bayonne also have substantial representation, illustrating the depth available to France across the Top 14.

The figures include Ward as a training partner because he is part of the announced 42-player preparation group, although he is not eligible for November Test selection.

France Rugby Nations Championship Schedule And Standings

France enters November first in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 12 championship points.

Scotland is second with 11, followed by England and Ireland with 10 each. France has a plus-41 points difference after three July matches.

France's July 2026 Nations Championship Results

• July 4: New Zealand 34, France 32 — Christchurch.
• July 11: France 42, Australia 26 — Brisbane.
• July 18: France 42, Japan 15 — Tokyo.

France lost narrowly to New Zealand before recording bonus-point victories against Australia and Japan.

The two wins earned eight championship points, with three try-scoring bonus points and one losing bonus point bringing France's total to 12.

France's November 2026 Nations Championship Fixtures

• Saturday, Nov. 7: France vs. Fiji — 3:10 p.m. ET — Groupama Stadium, Lyon.
• Friday, Nov. 13: France vs. South Africa — 3:10 p.m. ET — Stade de France, Saint-Denis.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: France vs. Argentina — 3:10 p.m. ET — Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

France controls its position at the top of the Northern Hemisphere standings, but the margin is narrow.

Scotland trails by only one point, while England and Ireland remain within two. France must finish first in the Northern Hemisphere after all six regular-season rounds to reach the Grand Final.

How Does The 2026 Nations Championship Work?

The inaugural Nations Championship features 12 countries divided into two hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere consists of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The Southern Hemisphere includes Argentina, Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Each country plays six regular-season matches against teams from the opposite hemisphere.

Three rounds took place in July, with three more scheduled for November.

Teams earn:

• Four championship points for a win.
• Two championship points for a draw.
• One bonus point for scoring four tries.
• One bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer.

Tiebreakers begin with total wins, followed by points difference, tries difference and tries scored.

The first-place team from each hemisphere advances to the Grand Final. The remaining teams compete in placement matches during Finals Weekend. There are no semifinals.

When Is The 2026 Nations Championship Final?

The inaugural Nations Championship Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11:40 a.m. ET.

France must finish first in the Northern Hemisphere standings to qualify for the championship match. All 12 participating countries will compete during Finals Weekend, Nov. 27-29. France's opponent and match time will depend on its final regular-season ranking.

How To Watch France Rugby In The United States

RugbyPass TV is the confirmed U.S. streaming destination for the 2026 Nations Championship.

That includes France's November fixtures against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina. American fans can consult RugbyPass TV for live coverage and scheduling information.

The Nations Championship's U.S. broadcast rights are separate from FloRugby's professional club rugby coverage.

How To Watch France Rugby Stars Year-Round On FloRugby In The United States

American rugby fans can follow many France internationals throughout the professional club season on FloRugby.

FloRugby streams:

• Top 14.
• Investec Champions Cup.
• EPCR Challenge Cup.
• Gallagher PREM.
• United Rugby Championship.
• Japan Rugby League One.

The Top 14 is particularly important to France supporters because all 42 players in the updated preparation group represent French professional clubs.

Fans can follow Dupont, Ntamack and Mauvaka at Toulouse; Bielle-Biarrey, Penaud and Moefana at Bordeaux Bègles; and Alldritt, Boudehent and Le Garrec at La Rochelle.

The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup provide additional opportunities to watch French clubs against leading European opposition.

FloRugby's broader professional rugby coverage also includes the Gallagher PREM, United Rugby Championship and Japan Rugby League One.

Watch France rugby stars in the Top 14 and European club competitions on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?

Yes. FloRugby offers live and on-demand rugby throughout the year with a subscription.

Fans can follow major club competitions and international rugby on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Match availability varies by region and broadcast rights.

What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?

FloRugby streams the United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM, Top 14, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and more.

Visit the FloRugby watch schedule to explore upcoming events. Availability varies by location and competition rights.

Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?

FloRugby provides rugby news, schedules, results, rankings and analysis throughout the season.

Visit FloRugby.com for the latest coverage from Europe's leading club competitions and beyond.

Where Can I Follow FloRugby?

Follow FloRugby for rugby news, highlights and updates throughout the season.

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