French rugby players dropped over conduct during night out

France have dropped a number of players for “inappropriate behaviour” after Sunday’s defeat by Scotland in Edinburgh.

Head coach Jacques Brunel has acted after some players were questioned by Police Scotland in connection with a report of sexual assault, although it was subsequently established that no crime had been committed.

It is thought that Brunel permitted the players a night out in Edinburgh after the 32-26 loss but he has since taken a dim view of their conduct, resulting in a major cull when 0 Jacques Brunel took the action after his side’s defeat announcing an initial 31-man squad named in advance of Italy’s visit to Paris.

Teddy Thomas, Remi Lamerat, Louis Picamoles, Anthony Belleau, Jonathan Danty, Arthur Iturria, Felix Lambey, Alexandre Lapandry and Sekou Macalou will miss the Natwest 6 Nations appointment with the Azzurri on 23 February.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) did not specify, in a statement to announce the squad, which players had been omitted for disciplinary reasons.

“Jacques decided to exclude from this list the players who went out after the defeat in Scotland,” the FFR statement read.

“Through this inappropriate behaviour they did not respect their status as international players and the duties that come with that.”