Etienne Falgoux claims he has achieved one of his long-term goals after receiving a maiden call-up to the France squad ahead of their Guinness Six Nations match against Scotland.
The Clermont Auvergne prop has been added to Jacques Brunel’s group as a replacement for Dany Priso, who injured his left knee in the 44-8 defeat to England at Twickenham and will now rehab back with his club – La Rochelle.
An FFR statement said: “After an analysis of the test results and a new clinical examination, as well as exchanges between the medical staffs of the France team and the club, it appears that Dany Priso will not be able to be at full fitness for the match against Scotland.
“He is released back to his club to go through his rehab there.”
Falgoux could make his France debut against Scotland this weekend, with Brunel set to name his 23 for the Stade de France clash on Tuesday morning.
The Scots haven’t won a Championship match in Paris at 1999 and 26-year-old Falgoux is relishing the possibility of realising a long-held dream by representing his country.
“I am delighted. This is a big surprise,” said Falgoux. “It was Franck Azéma [Clermont head coach] who announced it to me after the match [against Bordeaux on Saturday].
“It was one of my goals and I’ve worked towards it. When you play for a team like Clermont and you get a taste of big games, of course you want to go even further.”
Falgoux has joined up with the squad in Marcoussis and becomes the seventh Clermont player in the group, along with Sébastien Vahaamahina, Arthur Iturria, Morgan Parra, Camille Lopez, Wesley Fofana and Damian Penaud.
