womens
internationals-womens
The head coach of France, François Ratier, has named four players who are set to make their debut in the matchday 23 for their upcoming game against the Black Ferns in Hamilton.
Alexandra Chambon will take on the role of captain for the first time, as both Manae Feleu and Pauline Bourdon Sansus are unfortunately not part of the squad.
The team, currently ranked fourth in the world, recently secured a 21-5 victory over Canada to wrap up their participation in the WXV Global Series before heading to New Zealand.
Ylona Avril will earn her first cap in the opening lineup, teaming up with Julia Grosz, who has three caps. Marion Latonnelle from Toulon, along with Toulouse youngsters Lylou Pedussaud and Charlie Gauyat, will also experience international rugby for the first time from the bench.
Notably, experienced players Gabrielle Vernier, Carla Arbez, and Amber Mwayembe were not included in the team.
François Ratier remarked, “We are fielding a youthful squad – with an average age of 24 – and a limited number of caps. Given where we are in our current cycle, this is an ideal moment to bring in new players. It’s essential for us to see what these younger athletes can do right away. We made this choice in order to help them integrate into the group alongside seasoned players, allowing us to evaluate their potential contributions during this cycle.
“With this lineup, if everyone performs at their peak, we have what it takes to secure victories in New Zealand. While we may not be viewed as the frontrunners, that can actually work in our favor – granting the players the freedom to compete without the heavy expectations that accompany a squad that averages 60 caps per individual, especially so close to the World Cup.”
France matchday 23 v New Zealand | WXV Global Series 2026
15. Morgane Bourgeois
14. Marie Ibañez
13. Aubane Rousset
12. Teani Feleu
11. Léa Murie
10. Elodie Fernandez
9. Alexandra Chambon (c)
1. Annaëlle Deshaye
2. Élisa Riffonneau
3. Assia Khalfaoui
4. Julia Grosz
5. Ylona Avril
6. Axelle Berthoumieu
7. Mouna Toure
8. Léa Champon
Replacements
16. Mathilde Lazarko
17. Amalia Bazola Allieres
18. Marion Latonnelle
19. Lou Roboam
20. Elsa Peyras
21. Lylou Pedussaud
22. Lina Queyroi
23. Charlie Gauyat
