SA-born Willemse joins Le Roux in France squad
South Africa-born Paul Willemse was one of five uncapped players named by Jacques Brunel on Wednesday in the France squad for the two opening matches of the Six Nations.
Former Bulls lock Willemse, 26, qualifies for his adoptive country on residency grounds, having spent more than three years with Top 14 clubs Montpellier and Grenoble.
The Pretoria native received citizenship in November after French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte said in December 2016 that possession of a French passport was a requirement for inclusion in the national team.
Brunel pointed out the 201cm-tall forward’s physical attributes as a reason for his inclusion.
Willemse could line up alongside another South African-born player in the second row, as 33-time France international Bernard le Roux is also in the 31-man squad.
Fijian-born winger Alivereti Raka, who also received French nationality in November, has impressed for more than four years at Clermont but is not included due to a hand injury.
The other new faces are Toulouse’s Romain Ntamack, utility back Thomas Ramos and prop Dorian Aldegheri as well as La Rochelle second-row Gregory Alldritt.
Ntamack, a world U20 champion last year, is the son of former international Emile who won 46 caps between 1994 and 2000 for Les Bleus.
Brunel justified the selection of youngsters Ntamack and Ramos after they led Toulouse in 12 games without defeat.
Clermont’s experienced pair of Morgan Parra and Wesley Fofana return to the squad after missing the November Tests through injuries.
Brunel’s side kick off their 2019 Six Nations campaign at home against Wales on February 1. Les Bleus then take on England at Twickenham on February 10. –