Fabien Galthié will announce a squad of 42 players for the 2025 Six Nations on January 15. Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who faced legal issues in Argentina, are potential candidates for selection based on their recent performances. Injuries to key players may further enhance their chances. Although the charges against them were dismissed, the case is under appeal, raising concerns about the implications for the image of French rugby amid ongoing scrutiny.
Fabien Galthié to Announce Squad for Six Nations
As we approach the end of January, anticipation grows around the French rugby team. On Wednesday, January 15, head coach Fabien Galthié will unveil a roster of 42 players gearing up for the 2025 Six Nations Tournament, slated from January 31 to March 15. Among those being considered are Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who recently faced serious allegations in Argentina.
Performance and Legal Proceedings Impact Team Selection
Despite their legal troubles, Galthié remains optimistic about their potential inclusion. “They are candidates for the French team,” he stated, emphasizing that their selection will rely strictly on their on-field performances. After being released from detention in early September, both players have returned to their clubs—Hugo Auradou with Pau and Oscar Jegou with La Rochelle—demonstrating commendable form in the Top 14 and European competitions.
Injuries to prominent players may bolster their chances of being selected. With Toulon’s Charles Ollivon recovering from a serious knee injury and Toulouse’s Alexandre Roumat temporarily sidelined, the door may be open for Jegou to step in.
On the legal front, both athletes recently experienced a dismissal of their charges, a crucial factor for their potential return to the national squad. Galthié remarked, “The dismissal means that there is a total acquittal of the two players. It means that these two players are selectable today.” However, the case isn’t entirely resolved as the plaintiff has appealed the decision, with a hearing set for February 10 and 11, coinciding with the Six Nations Tournament.
As the situation unfolds, the possibility of Auradou and Jegou rejoining the national team raises concerns about the image of French rugby, especially following the so-called “Mendoza affair.” Should they return without further repercussions, it could challenge the standards of conduct that the French XV aspires to uphold.