The omissions of Penaud, France’s all-time leading try-scorer, former captain Alldritt and centurion centre Fickou mark a major shake-up by Galthie ahead of the championship, signalling a clear shift in selection strategy.
Dupont’s return provides a boost for France after the scrumhalf missed the end of last year’s autumn programme through injury, with the Toulouse player expected to resume a central role in Galthie’s plans.
Dupont has been sidelined since early March after rupturing the cruciate ligaments in his right knee during France’s 42-27 win over Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations, an injury that required surgery and kept him out for more than eight months.
Flyhalf Roman Ntamack was also left out of the squad after picking up an unspecified injury with Toulouse this month.
France open their Six Nations campaign next month against Ireland at home as they aim to retain their title.
Squad
Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri (Stade Toulousain), Uini Atonio (Stade Rochelais), Hugo Auradou (Section Paloise), Cyril Baille (Stade Toulousain), Paul Boudehent (Stade Rochelais), François Cros (Stade Toulousain), Alexandre Fischer (Aviron Bayonnais), Thibaud Flament (Stade Toulousain), Jean-Baptiste Gros (RC Toulon), Mickaël Guillard (Lyon OU Rugby), Oscar Jegou (Stade Rochelais), Anthony Jelonch (Stade Toulousain), Maxime Lamothe (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Julien Marchand (Stade Toulousain), Temo Matiú (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Peato Mauvaka (Stade Toulousain), Emmanuel Meafoú (Stade Toulousain), Régis Montagne (ASM Clermont), Rodrigue Neti (Stade Toulousain), Lenni Nouchi (Montpellier HR), Charles Ollivon (RC Toulon), Dany Priso (RC Toulon), Thomas Staniforth (Castres Olympique), Tevita Tatafu (Aviron Bayonnais), Cameron Woki (Union Bordeaux Bègles)
Backs: Grégoire Arfeuil (Section Paloise), Théo Attissogbe (Section Paloise), Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Fabien Brau-Boirie (Section Paloise), Romain Buros (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Thibault Daubagna (Section Paloise), Nicolas Depoortere (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Gaël Dréan (RC Toulon), Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain), Kalvin Gourgues (Stade Toulousain), Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (Section Paloise), Matthieu Jalibert (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Yoram Moefana (Union Bordeaux Bègles), Noah Nene (Stade Français Paris), Thomas Ramos (Stade Toulousain), Baptiste Serin (RC Toulon), Ugo Seunes (Racing 92)