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Fabien Brau-Boirie To Make France Debut In Six Nations Clash Against Wales

DDM-BASTIEN ARBERET FABIEN BRAU BOIRIE TOURNOI DES 6 NATIONS U20 LA FRANCE (S'INCLINE 45 A 31) FACE A L'ANGLETERRE STADE DU HAMEAU DE PAU

France have handed a debut to rising star Fabien Brau-Boirie ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations showdown against Wales in Cardiff.

Head coach Fabien Galthie has been forced into midfield changes after injuries disrupted the side that opened the championship with an emphatic 36-14 victory over Ireland in Paris.

And in true Les Bleus fashion, the response is bold.

A Debut Built On Form

At just 20 years old, Brau-Boirie steps straight into the starting XV at inside centre.

The Pau standout has been one of the Top 14’s most exciting young backs this season, scoring nine tries in 15 appearances. Standing at 6ft 3in, he combines physical presence with pace — a profile well-suited to the intensity of Six Nations rugby.

His reward? A baptism of fire in Cardiff.

He will partner his Pau club-mate Emilien Gailleton, who crossed for a try against Wales in last year’s championship.

Injury Forces Midfield Reshuffle

France’s original midfield pairing of Nicolas Depoortere and Yoram Moefana misses out due to injury. Replacement option Kalvin Gourgues is also sidelined after featuring off the bench against Ireland.

Rather than shift established players out of position, Galthie has doubled down on youth and cohesion by selecting the Pau partnership.

It’s a move that signals trust in form over reputation — and confidence in squad depth.

Flament Returns To The Squad

There is also positive news for Les Bleus.

Lock Thibaud Flament returns after missing the Ireland opener due to personal reasons. The Toulouse second row is named among the replacements, strengthening France’s forward options.

He is joined on the bench by:

🏉 Uncapped Stade Francais centre Noah Nene
🏉 Hooker Maxime Lamothe

France once again opt for a 6-2 split on the bench, underlining their commitment to forward dominance late in games.

Dupont And Jalibert Reunited

The dynamic half-back duo of Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert will start together against Wales for the first time since 2021.

Their fluidity and attacking spark were central to dismantling Ireland in round one — and they will be key again in Cardiff.

France’s Dominant Record Against Wales

Momentum is firmly with Les Bleus.

🔥 Seven straight wins over Wales
📅 Unbeaten in the fixture since the 2019 World Cup
🎯 Chasing a fourth consecutive bonus-point victory against the Welsh

Wales, meanwhile, are reeling from a heavy 48-7 defeat to England at Twickenham in their opener. Their team announcement is scheduled for Friday.

A Statement Of Intent

France are not just defending momentum — they are building for the future.

Handing a debut to a 20-year-old in a high-pressure Six Nations clash sends a clear message: performance earns opportunity.

If Brau-Boirie delivers, this could mark the beginning of a long international chapter for one of France’s brightest prospects.

And in the ever-evolving global rugby market, the rise of young stars only strengthens the Six Nations’ status as one of sport’s premier competitions.

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Abdul Noah Ocholi