In 2020 France fell just short in both the Guinness Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup, having to settle for runners-up spots in both competitions.
For captain Charles Ollivon, 2021 marks a year where they need to win some silverware, starting with the upcoming Championship.
Les Bleus lost out on points difference to England in 2020, before losing the Autumn Nations Cup final to the same opponents in extra-time.
But as they prepare for the start of the new campaign, with Fabien Galthié having named his 37-man squad last week, Ollivon is excited about the potential of the squad.
For the Toulon back-rower, the key now is to ensure that the team turn potential into tangible results.
He said: “Now that we have performed well at European level, we’d like to win some titles. We need to give ourselves the means to do so, and that starts with putting in the work, in training and then in the Championship.
“We are all looking forward to meeting up, spending time together and working to try to get something to reward our efforts.
“As players we will adapt to what happens and the conditions we will face. We are there to perform, but it’s not up to us under what conditions we will play.”
Les Bleus will meet up in Nice for a first training camp ahead of their opening game against Italy in Rome. They will then travel to Ireland in Round 2 with another tough away trip to England in Round 4.
In between those, they will welcome Scotland to the Stade de France, before rounding out their Championship at home to Wales on Super Saturday.
