Ollivon named France Six Nations captain as Galthie puts faith in youth

Charles Ollivon has been named as France captain at the start of a new era under Fabien Galthie, who has named 19 uncapped players in a 42-man Six Nations squad.

Galthie, who replaced Jacques Brunel as head coach after the Rugby World Cup, has selected back-row Ollivon to lead the side following Guilhem Guirado’s retirement from international rugby.

Toulon’s Ollivon only has 11 caps to his name but is set to skipper his country when they face England in their first match of the tournament on February 2.

“It’s an honour to be captain of the France team,” said Ollivon.

“It’s a somewhat special moment, quite moving. I can’t wait to start the adventure.”

Galthie has put his faith in youth, with 20-year-olds Louis Carbonel, Jean-Baptiste Gros and Killian Geraci among those called up to a squad with an average age of 24.

Wing Teddy Thomas is recalled after being overlooked for the World Cup in Japan, but there is no place for the likes of Maxime Medard and Yoann Huget.

#ListeDes42

Voici les 42 joueurs retenus pour préparer le Tournoi des #SixNations 2020 !

Les Bleus débutent leur préparation à Nice le 19 Janvier et vous donnent rendez-vous le dimanche 2 février au Stade de France contre l’Angleterre à 16h !#NeFaisonsXV #XVdeFrance pic.twitter.com/a8AJ4PjSh9

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) January 8, 2020

France squad: 

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Cyril Baille, Demba Bamba, Camille Chat, Anthony Etrillard, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mohamed Haouas, Julien Marchand, Jefferson Poirot, Cyril Cazeaux, Killian Geraci, Bernard Le Roux, Boris Palu, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Willemse, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Dylan Cretin, Francois Cros, Alexandre Fischer, Sekou Macalou, Selevasio Tolofua, Cameron Woki.

Backs: Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Serin, Maxime Lucu, Romain Ntamack, Louis Carbonel, Mathieu Jalibert, Gael Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Arthur Vincent, Julien Heriteau, Gervais Cordin, Lester Etien, Gabriel Ngandebe, Damian Penaud, Vincent Rattez, Teddy Thomas, Anthony Bouthier, Kylan Hamdaoui, Thomas Ramos.

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