Wales could face a severely understrength French side

October 13, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Wales and France are set to face off in less than two weeks in what has been dubbed as a warm up test match ahead of the resumption of the Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup.

However, Les Bleus could be severely understrength for the clash due to an ongoing dispute between the Top 14 clubs and the French Rugby Federation - which still has not be resolved.

Reports in France suggest that head coach Fabien Galthie could be forced to select a team consisting of u20 players as well as second-tier players when Wales travel to Paris.

This is due to the ongoing row between the French Rugby Federation and Top 14 clubs over the release of international players for Test duty, with France's top league clubs refusing to release the players - reportedly with the exception of Montpellier.

The LNR, the organising body of the TOP14, have launched legal action over the introduction of the emergency autumn Test window which requires them to release players from October 19 to December 5.

Despite World Rugby giving the competition the Green Light, the LNR is digging its heels in and has not officially agreed to a five-game window that would allow the Six Nations and new Nations Cup to be played.

There have been suggestions by the likes of L'Equipe that the side could be selected entirely of youth players for the Wales test. The TOP14 will be required to release their test players for the Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup but they have requested that the clash against Wales be called off according to a report by RMC Sport.

If Galthie is to have the nations best at his dispol for the clash against Wales, he will be missing three key players for his side.

Winger Damian Penaud has been ruled out through injury while Bordeaux pair Mathieu Jalibert and Cameron Woki have tested positive for COVID-19.