Louis Picamoles has been contained in the 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup of France.
The 33-year-old, who’s predicted to stop international rugby will take part in his next World Cup after head coach Jacques Brunel chosen him.
The list was drawn together with Romain Taofifenua notably omitted along with Felix Lambey, from a preliminary group of 37.
France will take on America, Argentina, Tonga and England in Pool C.
“We chose (Picamoles) after several fine performances and due to his experience,” Brunel said.
“We also picked a player who will play second and third row in Arthur Iturria.”
Targeted up for the tournament with wins against Italy and Scotland, and also a defeat from the Scots.
Brunel believes they can cause an upset in Japan, using a decisive clash against Argentina on September 21 their first excursion although they were impressive.
“The favourites are always the same. The number one favourites are the All Blacks,” he explained.
“This squad is a fantastic mixture of youth and experience, it is a great balance. The Pool is tough but we hope to get really very much in this tournament,” added Brunel, who included five half-backs in his squad – scrum-halves Baptiste Serin, Antoine Dupont and Maxime Machenaud and fly-halves Camille Lopez along with Romain Ntamack.
“With five halfbacks we are prepared for every chance,” Brunel explained.
The squad will gather before flying to Japan on Saturday.
France’s 31-man 2019 World Cup squad
Forwards: Jefferson Poirot (Bordeaux-Bgles), Rabah Slimani (Clermont), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Emerick Setiano (Toulon), Cyril Baille (Toulouse), Guilhem Guirado (Montpellier, cap) , Camille Chat (Racing 92), Peato Mauvaka (Toulouse), Sebastien Vahaamahina (Clermont), Paul Gabrillagues (Stade Franais), Arthur Iturria (Clermont), Bernard Le Roux (Racing 92), Gregory Alldritt (La Rochelle), Charles Ollivon (Toulon), Louis Picamoles (Montpellier), Yacouba Camara (Montpellier), Wenceslas Lauret (Racing 92).
Backs: Antoine Dupont (Toulouse), Baptiste Serin (Toulon), Maxime Machenaud (Racing 92), Camille Lopez (Clermont), Romain Ntamack (Toulouse), Gael Fickou (Stade Franais), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Sofiane Guitoune (Toulouse), Virimi Vakatawa (Racing 92), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Maxime Medard (Toulouse), Thomas Ramos (Toulouse). (Reporting by Julien Pretot; Examining by Christian Radnedge)
Read more here: https://discord.gg/S2NEYD/2019/09/25/full-ufc-209-betting-odds/
