The clubs didn’t want to give up. And finally won their case. The steering committee of the National Rugby League validated this Wednesday, in the steering committee, the amendment to the FFR/LNR convention concerning the provision of internationals. Which will be revised downwards at the start of the year and the Six Nations Tournament.
With a view to the 2023 World Cup in France, the coach of the French XV, Fabien Galthié, had obtained the opportunity to work with 42 players. The clubs will only release 34 more according to Midi Olympique. 28 will still be kept until the match, 6 being released from Wednesday evening to join their clubs.
Another novelty, they will be replaced, from Wednesday evening, and until Thursday evening, by six other players – retained as training partners – chosen outside the four clubs with the most selected, namely Toulouse, La Rochelle, Bordeaux-Bègles and Racing 92. The principle would be not to call up more than one player per other club.
The list of thirty-four players selected for the opening of the Six Nations Tournament, on February 2 in Marseille against Ireland, holders of the Grand Slam, will be revealed in mid-January by Fabien Galthié, the lucky ones meeting at the CNR in Marcoussis from Sunday January 21.
Another proposal which will be presented on Monday to the FFR steering committee, which should also validate it, the possibility for Fabien Galthié to return to a group of 42 players for the summer tour of the XV of France which will be contested by a team called ” France Développement”. Namely players who were little (or not) used during the Tournament and without any Top 14 finalists.
This summer, the Blues are going to Argentina to play two test matches against the Pumas (July 6 and 13). A third match, midweek, could be added. Against Chile or Uruguay according to Midi Olympique.