French head coach Fabien Galthie has today named his 2024 Guinness Six Nations squad ahead of his team’s February 2nd opener against Ireland in Marseille.

Captaining the side will be La Rochelle number eight Gregory Alldritt, who was selected ahead of former captain Charles Ollivon for the role.

Alldritt takes over from incumbent captain Antoine Dupont, who has departed the XV a side game for the time being as he focuses on winning an Olympic medal with the French 7s team.

The squad, in total, has 34 players and includes powerhouse New Zealand-born lock Emmanuel Meafou. At 6’8″ and 145kg the Toulouse star adds extra bulk to an already formidable French pack.

Looking to replace Dupont at scrumhalf, Bordeaux’s Maxime Lucu and Racing 92′ Nolann Le Garrec will battle it out for the starting berth, with Antoine Gibert offering cover at both 9 and 10.

French Six Nations Squad

Forwards: Cyril Baille, Reda Wardi, Sebastien Taofifenua, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Thomas Laclayat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Gaetan Barlot, Emmanuel Meafou, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabrillagues, Matthias Halagahu, Gregory Alldritt, Francois Cros, Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Esteban Abadie, Paul Boudehent

Backs: Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Gibert, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, Matthis Lebel, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos