Why Galthie picked Alldritt over Ollivon as France captain
REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said he had selected Gregory Alldritt as captain for the Six Nations in Antoine Dupont’s absence as he is younger than regular stand-in Charles Ollivon.
Scrumhalf Dupont will miss the tournament, which starts on February 2, as the 27-year-old trains with France’s Sevens squad before this year’s Paris Olympics.
No.8 Alldritt, 26, pipped flank Charles Ollivon, 30, to the role, after the Toulon loose forward had been a consistent replacement for Dupont, with the next World Cup in Australia in three years’ time.
“His age can also make us think, that like 70-80 percent of the team, he will be in Australia in 2027,” Galthie told newspaper Midi Olympique.
“I hope with all my heart to take Charles to the World Cup but Greg is four years younger.
“Charles Ollivon is a highly liked captain by his teammates and the coaching staff.
“He is a figurehead of the French national team,” the former France captain added.
Fluent English speaker Alldritt faces a tough challenge in his first match in the position by hosting last season’s Six Nations Grand Slam winners Ireland in Marseille early next month.
