Fit-again Mohamed Haouas and Gabin Villière are among the 14 players returning to France camp ahead of their Autumn Nations Series opener against Argentina.
Les Bleus had released 14 players back to their clubs for Top 14 action this weekend, with the plan always being for them to re-join the national team squad in Marcoussis ahead next Saturday’s clash with Los Pumas.
However, head coach Fabien Galthié has taken the opportunity to make three changes to the returning 14 when compared to those initially released.
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Montpellier prop Haouas has proved his fitness, as has flying Toulon winger Villière, and they will head to camp alongside in-form Montpellier back-rower Alexandre Bécognée.
It means that Castres prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Montpellier lock Florian Verhaeghe and Toulon back Aymeric Luc will stay with their clubs to keep the France squad at 42 players.
The other 11 returners were as expected, with a mixture of experienced heads like Bernard Le Roux and Brice Dulin being joined by uncapped players such as Tani Vili and Romain Buros.
After hosting Argentina on Saturday evening, Les Bleus have further Autumn Nations Series fixtures lined up against Georgia and New Zealand.
Full list of 14 recalled players:
Alexandre BECOGNEE (Montpellier Herault Rugby, 1 cap), Ibrahim DIALLO (Racing 92, 1 cap), Killian GERACI (LOU Rugby, 3 caps), Mohamed HAOUAS (Montpellier Herault Rugby, 12 caps), Bernard LE ROUX (Racing 92, 47 caps), Thierry PAIVA (Union Bordeaux Bègles, uncapped), Florent VANVERBERGHE (Castres Olympique, uncapped), Romain BUROS (Union Bordeaux Bègles, uncapped), Brice DULIN (Stade Rochelais, 36 caps), Antoine HASTOY (Section Paloise, 1 cap), Vincent RATTEZ (Montpellier Herault Rugby, 8 caps), Donovan TAOFIFENUA (Racing 92, uncapped), Tani VILI (ASM Clermont Auvergne, uncapped), Gabin VILLIERE (RC Toulon, 7 caps)
