Damian Penaud to Return to France Rugby Squad as Key Players Rest Ahead of 2026 Nations Championship

Damian Penaud is poised to make a notable return to the French national rugby team for the upcoming 2026 Nations Championship, signaling a key development in France's squad preparations. Despite a taxing season and the recent birth of his first child, Penaud, who was absent from this year's Six Nations, aims to reclaim his starting position. He has accumulated an impressive 29 starts and over 2,183 minutes played this season, demonstrating his strong form as he seeks to secure his place ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Coach Fabien Galthié is expected to announce a preliminary list of 28 players on June 15, with final adjustments following the Top 14 finals. Notably, Jefferson Poirot, who retired from international rugby six years ago, is also expected to come out of retirement and rejoin the national team.

In contrast, key players Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert are likely to be rested during this Championship despite its importance. The recent elimination of Bordeaux-Bègles from the Top 14 has influenced these decisions, as both players have endured heavy workloads, with Bielle-Biarrey playing 31 matches and tallying 2,300 minutes this season. Yannick Bru, manager of Bordeaux-Bègles, voiced concerns about overplaying risks and supporting their rest to prevent injury.

Other Bordeaux players such as Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortere, and Marko Gazzotti are anticipated to be part of Galthié's squad. The Nations Championship will introduce a new format with two groups, featuring high-profile matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan in July.

This mix of returning veterans and rested key players highlights the coaching staff’s strategy to manage player workload while reinforcing France’s competitive prospects for the upcoming tournament and future international challenges.