France Considering Some New Players for Tour to Argentina and Uruguay

France Head Coach Fabien Galthié is weighing-up his options for the July Internationals. France will play two test matches against Los Pumas in Argentina and one against Los Teros in Uruguay. The three-match tour will follow a match against a World XV coached by Ian Foster.

Writing for Rugby Rama, François Maleysson notes Patrick Tuifua, Tevita Tatafu and Antoine Frisch as new players being considered. The tour to South America begins just one week after the 2024 Top 14 Final. The Final will be in Marseille on June 29 and the Semi Finals on June 21-22 in Bordeaux.

The roster selected will not include players from the four Semi Finalists. At present the top four teams are Stade Français, Toulouse, Racing 92 and Toulon. Les Bleus’ 34-man Six Nations roster contained 20 players from these clubs: Toulouse (10), Racing 92 (5), Toulon (3) and Stade Français (2).

Fabien Galthié has identified Tevita Tatau as a future prospect. However, the Bayonne tight head prop will not be eligible to play test match rugby for France until the November Internationals.

Also on the radar is teenager Patrick Tuifua. From New Caledonia, Tuifua has lived in New Zealand since aged 15. He is eligible but has also been approached about being an All Black; indeed, he has joined the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. He is signed with Hawke’s Bay until 2025.

Antoine Frisch, who is from France, was targeted by Ireland where he plays for Munster. He decided to play for his home country rather than Ireland who he qualifies for via a grandparent. The United Rugby Championship (URC) Final will be played on the same weekend as the Top 14 Semi Finals.

JULY INTERNATIONALS 2024 – FRANCE TOUR

Sat, July 06 Argentina vs France (Mendoza, AR)