Noves rings changes for Six Nations
Fiji-born centre Vakatawa, 23, who started his career at Racing 92, has over the past year established himself as a star of international calibre in France's Sevens team, with his explosive and versatile style catching the eye of Noves and his coaching staff.
"We tried to involve young players on every line. We tried to build a team which will allow us to work in continuity, with an eye to the next four years," explained Noves, who took over following France's ignominious World Cup exit in October and a record 13-62 quarter-final defeat to winners New Zealand.
Scrumhalf Sébastien Bezy, lock Paul Jedrasiak, flanks Yacouba Camara and Kevin Gourdon, prop Jefferson Poirot, hooker Camille Chat and centre Jonathan Danty will also join the group from January 25-27, before France open their Six Nations campaign against Italy on February 6.
The eight newcomers have already linked up with the team during group training sessions on January 4 and 11.
Veteran flyhalf François Trinh-Duc, still recovering from a shinbone injury, has been provisionally left out of the squad and replaced by Toulouse's Jean-Marc Doussain.
"We had a discussion with François. He knew that his presence depended on his performances on the pitch. We know that Francois has resumed training very seriously," added Noves.
The main surprise however was the inclusion of Stade Francais flank Antoine Burban, also on the comeback trail after three months out injured. Burban, 28, who has three caps, replaces South African-born flank Bernard Le Roux, who is absent for personal reasons.
In four tournaments under Noves' predecessor Philippe Saint-André, Les Bleus never finished above fourth and even took the wooden spoon in 2013.
France Six Nations squad:
Forwards: Eddy Ben Arous, Jefferson Poirot, Uini Atonio, Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Camille Chat, Yoann Maestri, Alexandre Flanquart, Sébastien Vahaamahina, Paul Jedrasiak, Yacouba Camara, Damien Chouly, Wenceslas Lauret, Louis Picamoles, Antoine Burban, Kevin Gourdon.
Backs: Sébastien Bézy, Morgan Parra, Maxime Machenaud, Jules Plisson, Jean-Marc Doussain, Jonathan Danty, Alexandre Dumoulin, Wesley Fofana, Gaël Fickou, Rémi Lamerat, Benjamin Fall, Virimi Vakatawa, Maxime Médard, Hugo Bonneval, Scott Spedding.
Agence France-Presse
