Baptiste Serin Returns to France’s Rugby Squad Ahead of 2026 Six Nations

Baptiste Serin has been recalled to the French national rugby team by coach Fabien Galthié as they prepare for the 2026 Six Nations opener against Ireland on February 5. The Toulon scrum-half, who last played for France on July 13, 2024, during a challenging tour in Argentina, expressed deep eagerness and determination in his return.

At 31 years old with 46 caps and 8 international tries, Serin’s absence from the squad was partly linked to the fallout from the Mendoza affair, a legal controversy involving some teammates. Despite intense competition for the number 9 position, including captain Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu, Serin is optimistic about his role. He candidly remarked, “I see it a bit like it’s my first and last time. I have a lot of appetite for going to Marcoussis,” underscoring his commitment to seize every opportunity.

His call-up comes amid injuries to several scrum-halves such as Lucu and Nolann Le Garrec, creating space for Serin’s inclusion as backup alongside Thibault Daubagna. This fresh injection of experience aims to strengthen a team looking to build momentum after recent disruptions.

In club action, Serin captained Toulon to a narrow 30-27 victory over Montpellier, securing their third consecutive win across competitions. The victory lifted Toulon in the Top 14 standings, tying them with Stade Français for third place. Reflecting on the match, Serin noted mixed emotions: “There is joy, even if we don’t show it because we are a bit disappointed with our overall performance. We showed character and had the merit of not giving up.”

As the Six Nations approaches, Serin’s blend of experience and renewed passion could prove vital for France. Fully aware of the competitive environment and the challenges ahead, he is focused on "making the most of every moment" and contributing to the team’s success.