Olympic gold medallist Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang set for France debut against Wallabies in Brisbane

Paris Olympics gold medallist Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang is set to make his Test debut for France against the Wallabies in Brisbane, the standout storyline from a busy weekend of international rugby that saw sevens specialists making their mark across the longer format.

The Pau winger has long been considered one of the most exciting products of the French sevens programme. He scored 11 tries at the 2023 Hong Kong Sevens and has been pushing for a full international call-up since his inclusion in the 2025 Autumn Nations Series squad. His selection completes a journey that began on the Olympic stage, where he was part of the France side that claimed gold in Paris.

Nations Championship

The inaugural World Rugby Nations Championship got underway with Japan producing an eye-catching 27-10 victory over Italy in Tokyo. Paris Olympics alumni Kippei Ishida and Kazuma Ueda both featured in the Brave Blossoms back three, with the pair combining to frustrate and neutralise the Italian backline throughout. Ueda retains his place for Japan’s next fixture against Andy Farrell’s Ireland in Newcastle — a side Japan have not beaten since 2019.

In the Nations Cup, Uruguay opened their campaign with a 41-34 defeat to Georgia in Montevideo, though sevens representatives Joaquín Suárez, Juan Gonzalez and Ignacio Rodriguez Bosch all featured. Gonzalez and Rodriguez Bosch got on the scoresheet for the hosts, and both are expected to feature again when Uruguay host Romania.

Tonga, captained by sevens alumnus Sonatane Takulua, launched their own Nations Cup campaign with a 36-26 win over Zimbabwe.

U20 World Championship

New Zealand cruised into the semi-finals of the U20 World Championship with a commanding 45-15 win over Italy. Kele Lasaqa on the wing and Bradley Tocker at blindside flanker were prominent contributors, with Tocker adding his second try of the tournament. The Baby Blacks will face France in the semi-finals, while South Africa — featuring Blitzbok Luan Giliomee — will take on England in the other last-four tie.

Australia narrowly missed out on a top-four finish, falling 34-29 to France in a thriller. Sevens representative Wallace Charlie was a bright spot for the Australians, scoring a try early in the second half. The side will contest fifth place against Argentina, with Charlie expected to start at fullback.