News

Penaud out as Rattez starts for France

DamianPenaudFraIta19SB2000
France have been dealt a late blow ahead of their Guinness Six Nations opener against England on Sunday.

France have been dealt a late blow ahead of their Guinness Six Nations opener against England on Sunday.

Winger Damian Penaud has been ruled out of the game with a calf injury picked up in training, and his place in the side will be taken by La Rochelle winger Vincent Rattez.

Rattez was due to be among the replacements but is now promoted for his first Test start, while his place on the bench is taken by Arthur Vincent.

The Montpellier centre captained France Under-20s to World Championship success in 2019, and is the fifth uncapped player to make the matchday 23.

Full-back Anthony Bouthier and prop Mohamed Haouas will make their debuts from the start, with Boris Palu, Cameron Woki and now Vincent in line to join them off the bench.

Penaud had started every game for France in last year’s Championship, scoring against England and Italy.