French Rugby Faces Mixed Fortunes: Sevens Success in Singapore and Alldritt Exclusion Sparks Controversy

The French rugby scene is currently witnessing contrasting developments, with the men's rugby sevens team advancing impressively at the Singapore tournament while the XV de France squad faces controversy over significant player omissions for the upcoming Six Nations Tournament.

At the Singapore rugby sevens tournament, the French men's team has made a strong statement by qualifying for the semi-finals. They secured notable victories against top teams including New Zealand (19-12), Australia (31-7), and a final buzzer-winning encounter against Argentina (17-15). Having topped their group, they are set to face South Africa for a spot in the final.

Conversely, the French women's rugby sevens team has experienced disappointment. Despite a commendable win over Great Britain (32-5), losses to Canada (29-24) and a heavy defeat by New Zealand (55-7) saw them finish third in their group, and thus eliminated from semi-final contention.

Meanwhile, the XV de France squad has sparked significant debate following the exclusion of key player Grégory Alldritt from the Six Nations roster, a decision made by head coach Fabien Galthié. The omission has drawn criticism from international observers, including former player Dan Biggar, who expressed astonishment on The Rugby Pod, stating, "For me, the biggest surprise is Alldritt. I cannot understand…" Biggar highlighted Alldritt’s vital role in maintaining team balance and his standout performances against teams like Fiji and Australia. He also questioned the replacement choice, Louis Guillard, pointing out that although Guillard is physically imposing, he may not offer the same level of effectiveness against elite opponents.

Biggar concluded that Alldritt’s absence constitutes a significant loss for French rugby, further spotlighting the selection decisions given Alldritt’s recent outstanding form, particularly against Clermont. In response, Montpellier's young player Lenni Nouchi is considered a potential surprise inclusion, possibly filling some of the gaps left by the exclusions.

As France approaches crucial rugby fixtures, the teams face both promise and challenges—success in international sevens competition for the men and uncertainty around squad selections for the traditional XVs, with Alldritt’s absence at the heart of ongoing debate.