France have reportedly settled on their lineup for their Nations Championship opener, with an English-born and raised talent tipped to feature.
French media reports suggest Fabien Galthie’s starting XV for the opening match of the autumn internationals is beginning to take shape, with talented winger Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang potentially earning a starting spot.
Born in Bromley to a Nigerian father and French mother, Grandidier-Nkanang began his professional career with French club Brive in 2019 before making his Top 14 debut in 2022.
He joined Pau ahead of the 2024/25 season and has since extended his contract until 2029.
The winger also enjoyed major success in sevens, helping France win Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
He scored twice against Argentina during the tournament before making his France 15-a-side debut against Australia in July 2026, where he also crossed the whitewash twice.
France will face Fiji in the opening match of their three home fixtures before travelling to Allianz Stadium in Twickenham for the Nations Championship finals weekend.
Les Bleus will also welcome South Africa and Argentina as they look to finish as the highest-ranked northern hemisphere side and secure a place in the final.
France currently sit top of the northern hemisphere standings, but the race remains tight. Scotland, England and Ireland have the same number of wins, with just two bonus points separating the four sides.
With South Africa and New Zealand battling for top spot in the southern hemisphere standings, both currently unbeaten, Galthie's side could face a formidable challenge if they reach the final.
French outlet Actu.fr have now named their predicted France XV based on observations from training and emerging selection patterns.
France's predicted XV
15. Attissogbe; 14. Grandidier-Nkanang, 13. Gourgues, 12. Moefana, 11. Bielle-Biarrey; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont; 8. Cros, 7. Woki, 6. Boudehent; 5. Guillard, 4. Auradou; 3. Falatea, 2. Lamothe, 1. Gros.
