This is the first time that a group has been convened for a preparation camp so early in the season. For this year's Championship, the squad was announced on 20th December 2023, just 45 days before the first match against Ireland.
Early birds
This time, the preparation period has more than doubled: 109 days, with the first match scheduled against Wales. It seems that Cédric Laborde, the new U20s head coach, appointed in early September following Sébastien Calvet’s departure to coach SU Agen (Pro D2), does not want to waste any time and intends to make the most of all opportunities to perform well.
The camp will take place at the National Rugby Centre in Marcoussis from 28th October to 10th November to take advantage of the presence of Fabien Galthié's senior team, which will be preparing for the Autumn Nations Series.
"The first week will be in collaboration with the senior team, and during the second week, we will prepare with a friendly match against the Italy U20 team," says the new head coach.
In the 2024 edition of the U20s Championship, France finished a disappointing third, winning two and losing three as England scooped the top prize.
Sixteen clubs represented
In total, 26 players from 16 Top 14 and Pro D2 clubs have been called up. "This group was formed based on evaluations of players during the off-season, the sevens tournaments, the start of the championship season, but also their performances with France’s youth teams in past seasons," says Cédric Laborde.
Only Union Bordeaux-Bègles aren't represented in the squad, while 13 other Top 14 clubs are. Three Pro D2 clubs are also present: FC Grenoble, Stade Montois, and US Colomiers.
CA Brive is the most represented club with four players - Quentin Algay, Geoffrey Malaterre, Luka Keletaona, and Lewis Noon (son of England international Jamie) - followed by Stade Rochelais with three players - Charles Kante-Samba, Simeli Daunivucu, and Diego Jurd.
Three clubs have two players each: Stade Toulousain, LOU, and RC Toulon.
Seven players return
This new generation of Bleuets will face the challenge of the previous one, who were defeated in the U20 World Championship final by England. Seven players who were part of the group in South Africa return: Lorencio Boyer Gallardo, Charles Kante-Samba, Geoffrey Malaterre, Corentin Mézou, Mathys Belaubre, Fabien Brau-Boirie, and Robin Taccola are now seen as veterans of the squad.
"We have also let some players remain with their clubs to give them time to return to their full potential after injuries," says Laborde, implying that the group could grow in the coming weeks.
"This selection also follows visits to clubs and discussions with their staff. I’m fortunate to know many of these players from my two previous seasons with them, and we are all excited to share in this project and prepare for an exciting season."
France's squad for the 2025 Six Nations U20
Forwards:
Lyam Akrab (Montpellier HR)
Quentin Algay (CA Brive)
Lorencio Boyer Gallardo (USA Perpignan)
Jean Jacques Cassio (Stade Montois)
Raphaël Darquier (Stade Montois)
Antoine Deliance (Lyon OU)
Charles Kante-Samba (Stade Rochelais)
Isaac Koffi Sedjoro (Stade Français)
Geoffrey Malaterre (CA Brive)
Mohamed Megherbi (Stade Toulousain)
Corentin Mézou (RC Toulon)
Bartholomé Sanson (Lyon OU)
Owen Sorhaindo (RC Toulon)
Noa Traversier (Aviron Bayonnais)
Backs:
Mathys Belaubre (ASM Clermont Auvergne)
Fabien Brau-Boirie (Section Paloise)
Simon Daroque (Stade Toulousain)
Simeli Daunivucu (Stade Rochelais)
Diego Jurd (Stade Rochelais)
Luka Keletaona (CA Brive)
Thibault Motassi (Stade Français)
Lewis Noon (CA Brive)
Ugo Pacome (US Colomiers)
Melvyn Rates (FC Grenoble)
Arthur Roche (Racing 92)
Robin Taccola (RC Vannes)
France's 2025 Six Nations U20 fixtures
France v Wales, Saturday 1st February, Stade de la Rabine, Vannes
France v England, Friday 7th February, Venue TBC
Italy v France, Saturday 22nd February, Venue TBC
Ireland v France, Friday 7th March, Venue TBC
France v Scotland, Friday 14th March, Stade Jean Bouin, Paris
