Penaud returns to France squad for southern hemisphere tour as Bielle-Biarrey rested

Fabien Galthié has recalled Damian Penaud to a 39-man provisional France squad for their Nations Championship southern hemisphere tour, with Tests against New Zealand, Australia and Japan scheduled. The final group will be confirmed by Wednesday, June 24.

Penaud’s return is the headline selection. France’s all-time leading try-scorer was absent for the Six Nations earlier this year but earns his recall after a prolific club season with Bordeaux-Bègles, where he scored 11 tries in 29 appearances — often deployed at centre following Nicolas Depoortere’s injury. His international try tally now stands at 40, including a double against South Africa in November.

Penaud is one of 12 Bordeaux players in the squad. The double European champions missed out on the Top 14 play-offs, freeing up a sizeable contingent that includes fly-half Matthieu Jalibert and captain Maxime Lucu for what shapes up as a demanding three-Test assignment.

The most conspicuous absentee is Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The 23-year-old has been in extraordinary form this season, scoring 34 tries in 31 matches, but Galthié has made a deliberate decision to rest him with the autumn internationals — against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa — firmly in mind.

There are no Toulouse players in the provisional group, with the Top 14 finalists currently unavailable. Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos are expected to be rested in any case, though Galthié has left the door open for reinforcements from the club to be added before the squad departs.