Nice (AFP)
The serious things begin: gathered in Nice before the start of the Six Nations Tournament, the Blues saw fourteen of their partners leave them to return to their clubs on Thursday, before drooling on the field.
Coach Fabien Galthié has decided to form a tight group of 28 players for the shock against England on February 2. Fourteen players, including Toulouse's back Thomas Ramos, left the Côte d'Azur at the start of the afternoon and will be able to compete in the 14th day of the Top 14 ... before returning to the shores of the Mediterranean to complete the group.
Parisians Kylan Hamdaoui and Lester Etien should even be used by the Stade Français for the trip to Clermont on Saturday, "if they are physically fit and mentally ready," said their coach Julien Arias.
Their teammates did not stay in Nice for sightseeing and it showed with high intensity sessions in the morning. Proof of seriousness, Galthié also called on three young referees from the Federal Academy of Toulon to "arbitrate" with him the training of the Blues.
Divided into two groups, the Blues have given their heart to the field or indoors, under the guidance of their coach, absent the day before because of the official launch of the Six Nations Tournament in London.
On the obligation side, the players are not left out since, in addition to the traditional treatments and welcome massages to help recovery, they had to comply with a series of "homework" with the partners in the afternoon.
The XV of France is gathered in Nice until January 31. The composition of the team that will start the match against the English will be announced on January 30.
© 2020 AFP