France coach Guy Noves explains Mathieu Bastareaud absence

By Press Association

Image: Toulon Mathieu Bastareaud (left) has been omitted from France's training squad

New France coach Guy Noves has explained Mathieu Bastareaud's absence from his first squad gathering by revealing he aims to bring a new style to Les Bleus.

The Toulon centre was a surprise absentee from a list of 30 names announced last week to work with Noves and his staff on Monday.

Speaking at that session, Noves told Midi Olympique: "He is a player whose potential we know and this does not mean he has been completely discarded.

"Quite simply, and I say this humbly, we have the aim of playing a different form of rugby to recent years.

"Mathieu Bastareaud is also capable of adapting his game, though."

Advertisement

It emerged when Bastareaud signed his new contract with Toulon in December that he has a clause in the deal allowing him to take a sabbatical in Japan in the coming years.

Image: Guy Noves says France are moving in a new direction

"We prefer to work for the moment with players who are completely invested in the France team for the next four years," added Noves.

Also See:

Bastareaud has won 39 caps since his debut against Wales in 2009 and has scored three international tries.

Outbrain