Joshua Brennan Set to Make France Debut
Dublin-born forward Joshua Brennan is on the cusp of making his debut for France, named in their 42-man squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Coach Fabien Galthie announced the squad, signaling a potentially historic moment for the 22-year-old born in Ireland but raised in France.
Brennan’s Rugby Journey
Brennan, son of former Ireland international Trevor Brennan, has spent most of his life in France after his father joined Toulouse in 2002. He represented France at the U20 level in 2020 and 2021, showcasing his talent and commitment to Les Bleus.
Now, he’s ready for the next step, aiming to contribute to France’s campaign against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina next month. A stalwart for Toulouse, Brennan has played 69 times for the club since his debut in 2020, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother Daniel, who currently plays for Toulon.
Brennan’s versatility has also been on display, featuring in both the second and back rows for Toulouse last season, even appearing off the bench in the Investec Champions Cup final against Leinster and the Top 14 final against Bordeaux-Begles.
French Squad Strengthens
The squad also includes other notable players like former Munster centre Antoine Frisch, who made his debut during the summer tour to Argentina.
French captain Antoine Dupont, who has been absent since the World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa last year, returns. Dupont made a splash in the Olympics, winning gold with the French sevens team.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming internationals are crucial for France, marking their first matches since a tumultuous tour of Argentina in July. This tour was marred by controversies involving the arrest of players on rape charges and the disciplinary action taken against Melvyn Jaminet for racist online comments.
Galthie rests several key players for the South American tour but returns to near full strength for the November fixtures, despite the absence of injured fly-half Romain Ntamack and hooker Julien Marchand.
In addition to Brennan, Galthie called up four other uncapped players: Tonga-born tighthead Tevita Tatafu, Bordeaux loose forwards Marko Gazzotti and Pierre Bochaton, and Toulouse centre Paul Costes.
France faces Japan on November 9, New Zealand on November 16, and Argentina on November 22, all at the Stade de France in Paris.
France Squad for Autumn Nations Series
**Forwards:**
* Gregory Aldritt
* Uini Antonio
* Gaetan Barlot
* … (list the remaining forward players)
Backs:
* Theo Attissogbe
* Leo Barre
* Leo Berdeu
*… (list the remaining back players)
**Additional reporting: Reuters**