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France to call up Saffa centre

Stade Français midfielder Jeremy Ward is set to be a surprise inclusion in France's 42-man squad for next month's Nations Championship.

By Simon Borchardt · SA Rugby Mag

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 12:13 PM

Key Things to Know

South African centre Jeremy Ward was named in France's 42-man squad as a training partner.
Ward will not be eligible to play for France until completing his residency period in 2027.
Grégory Alldritt and captain Antoine Dupont are among the key stars recalled by Fabien Galthié.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Stade Français South African centre Jeremy Ward has received a surprise call-up to France's 42-man Nations Championship squad. However, the 30-year-old will only participate as a training partner, as he will not satisfy World Rugby's five-year residency requirement until 2027. Consequently, he will be ineligible to play in fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina.

Head coach Fabien Galthié also recalled captain Antoine Dupont, François Cros, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and La Rochelle No. 8 Grégory Alldritt. Meanwhile, key players including Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, and Matthieu Jalibert are sidelined through injury.

Read the full article on SA Rugby Mag

France to call up Saffa centre

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