If he obviously has his mind set on the World Cup, the preparation of which will begin in just over a month, Fabien Galthié is preparing for the future. A new naturalized should join the Blues this fall and even be on the bridge this summer.
The staff of the XV of France is necessarily turned towards the World Cup. If the competition will start in a little over a month, the Blues will meet on June 23 to launch the preparation. At least the players who will have finished with the Top 14 and will have been able to benefit from a short vacation. 42 players will be summoned before the group is reduced to 33 elements as the event approaches.
“In the balance of this preparation, it is potentially 17 weeks of living together at 4 months, for 42 then 33 players. There are going to be changes, linked to injuries ”explained Fabien Galthié at a press conference on Tuesday, adding: “We have planned openings on the friendly, then on the internships. Monaco at first, Marcoussis in a second time and Capbreton on the third time. This is the opportunity to modify the 42, bring in unavailable players. »
We were promised an answer on June 1
Fabien Galthié, who is under contract until June 2028, and the staff of the Blues are nevertheless also thinking about the future. At the end of the World Cup, a new element could also join the France group: the young Australian second line from Stade Toulousain, Emmanuel Meafou. Arrived at the training center of the Haut-Garonne club in December 2018, the native of New Zealand has repeatedly expressed his wish to play for the XV of France. Pending a French passport, he will be selectable from November 2023, when he will be able to claim five years on French territory.
Eddie Jones, the coach of Australia, tried several times to convince him to wear the Wallabies jersey. In vain. His choice is made and Emmanuel Meafou was among the 42 players called up to prepare for the last match of the Six Nations Tournament against Wales as a training partner. According to Fabien Galthié, he could also be preparing for the World Cup even if he cannot play it. “There is a procedure launched with World Rugby. We were promised an answer on June 1 to make it selectable for preparation. The file is mounted, the exchanges too. It will be for November 2023”said the tricolor coach.
