Two returning players and French teams' results in Europe put Les Bleus in good heart despite injuries.
The Top 14 has long been thought of as the land of giants in a rugby union context and here we test the theory with a look at the average physical make-up of a player in each squad.
Bernard Laporte's Montpellier are taking a growing trend in French rugby to the extreme by loaning out nearly one-fifth of their side to other clubs next season.
Montpellier have parted ways with former England tighthead Harry Williams after just one season, as reported by RugbyPass.
France prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin has received a suspended prison sentence for domestic violence at a court sitting.
The Champions Cup is in turmoil as organisers scramble to find a window in the already crowded schedule to stage the seven matches that have been postponed this weekend.
France head coach Fabien Galthie has named nine uncapped players in his 42-man squad for next month's rugby Tests.
France lost a tight series Down Under but there were enough longer-term positives to please coach Fabien Galthié
