A few days before the first test of the autumn tour against South Africa, the XV of France is already facing a hard blow.
The XV of France begins its fall tour with a tough blow. Fabien Galthié’s men will prepare for their first test against South Africa next Saturday (9:10 p.m.). The coach recently communicated a list of 42 players for this gathering, slightly revised compared to the first version published last week.
Among the confirmed executives was Joris Segonds, author of an excellent start to the season with Aviron Bayonnais and currently best director in the Top 14 (106 points). The 28-year-old opener seemed set to experience a new adventure in the blue jersey, he who already has two selections.
Segonds replaced
But Bayonne’s improved victory against Montauban (47-9) on Saturday left its mark. Limping out at the hour mark, Segonds was hit in the knee and had to give up his place. The French Rugby Federation made its withdrawal official this Sunday morning, immediately announcing its replacement by Léo Barré.
Starting the day before with Stade Français during the defeat in Toulouse (29-17), the 23-year-old fullback (9 caps) therefore returns to the France group. Called up for the first time during the 2024 Six Nations Tournament, Barré only played one match in the 2025 Tournament won by the Blues before being called up for the tour to New Zealand, where he scored a try in Wellington.
