Rugby:Biarritz prop Sylvain Marconnet has been recalled by France coach Marc Lievremont to his 30-man squad for the defence of their Six Nations crown. The 34-year-old veteran won the most recent of his 80 caps in last season's 33-10 hammering of Ireland.
He will get the chance to add to that tally after producing a series of impressive performances during the Top 14 season and the Heineken Cup.
The Toulouse trio of winger Vincent Clerc, fullback Clement Poitrenaud and outhalf David Skrela are also rewarded for their fine domestic form having missed out on selection for the autumn internationals.
There are several notable absentees in the form of Mathieu Bastareaud, Dimitri Szarzewski, Julien Malzieu, Louis Picamoles and Florian Fritz as Lievremont looks to turn around French fortunes after a miserable run following last season’s Grand Slam success.
Les Bleus had conceded over 40 points in three of their last five tests, including their 59-16 hammering at the hands of Australia last time out. France begin their campaign against Scotland in Paris on February 5th.
France squad
Forwards:Thomas Domingo, Sylvain Marconnet, Guilhem Guirado, William Servat, Luc Ducalcon, Nicolas Mas, Lionel Nallet, Jerome Thion, Pascal Pape, Julien Pierre, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Alexandre Lapandry, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Sebastien Chabal, Imanol Harinordoquy
Backs:Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Francois Trinh-Duc, David Skrela, Damien Traille, Yannick Jauzion, Maxime Mermoz, David Marty, Aurelien Rougerie, Vincent Clerc, Maxime Medard, Alexis Palisson, Clement Poitrenaud, Yoann Huget
