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Guirado ready to take on new role

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Guilhem Guirado is well-aware of the challenge that awaits him as new France captain but has urged his team-mates to step up during the RBS 6 Nations.

Guilhem Guirado is well-aware of the challenge that awaits him as new France captain but has urged his team-mates to step up during the RBS 6 Nations.

The Toulon hooker has taken over as skipper after the retirement of Thierry Dusautoir, while fellow experienced campaigners Pascal Papé, Nicolas Mas, Dimitri Szarzewski and Frédéric Michalak have also retired from Test rugby.

As a result Guy Novès, taking over from Philippe Saint-André, has named a young squad, with Guirado leading the way.

And as preparations continue before the opening game of the tournament, against Italy at the Stade de France on February 6, Guirado expects to have the support of his team-mates in his new role.

“It’s evolved positively for me, and everyone is trying to find their place,” he said at the launch of the tournament at the Hurlingham Club on Wednesday.

“With the departure of experienced players like Thierry Dusautoir, Pascal Papé or Nicolas Mas, new leaders have to emerge and make their mark on the team.

“We will try to rely on everyone but each player has to take their responsibility and lift the team higher.

“The only thing that matters to me is to start winning and for French fans who come and watch to enjoy themselves.”

New coaching staff

Guirado was in London with new coach Novès, who is working alongside backs coach Jeff Dubois and incumbent forwards coach Yannick Bru.

And the hooker thinks the players have a good feel of what is expected of them from the new coaching set-up. Tournoi des 6 Nations : C’est parti ! by FFR

“I had two very interesting days of work with everyone paying attention,” he added.

“You can feel the desire to do well and find a place in the team. For now it’s very studious, people are working hard, but the hardest part is still to come with the week of preparation before Italy.

“We have been able to speak to the coaches about what they expect of us and we’ve tried to put that in place on the pitch. It’s a lot clearer for us now.”

Click here for the complete fixture list, with TV coverage, of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations

To reserve tickets for the RBS 6 Nations match between France and Italy on February 6 at the Stade de France click here.