Young France lock Joshua Brennan has been included in a provisional 42-man training squad as France prepare for their final-round Six Nations clash with England.
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France must win Le Crunch to have any chance of retaining the title, as they will go into the match chasing either Scotland or Ireland, depending on the outcome of the game in Dublin. Although the final 23-man matchday squad has yet to be announced, Brennan remains in contention for selection.
If Ireland defeat Scotland in Dublin, it could create an awkward scenario for the Brennan family. Joshua’s father, Trevor Brennan, is a former Leinster forward who earned 13 caps for Ireland.
Joshua Brennan was born in Leixlip, County Kildare, but grew up in Toulouse during his father’s playing career with the French club. He began his rugby journey at the Aucamville Academy before joining Toulouse’s system at the age of 12.
Trevor Brennan’s career ended in controversy after an incident during a Toulouse vs Ulster match at Stade Ernest Wallon on 21 January 2007. Brennan entered the crowd and struck an Ulster supporter.
He later claimed the confrontation was sparked by abuse related to “watered-down pints” served in a Toulouse bar he owned. His uncle also alleged sectarian abuse, a claim initially backed by the club but quickly withdrawn.
A European Rugby investigation found no evidence of sectarian abuse, concluding instead that Brennan had been provoked by taunts about the bar’s standards.
Brennan announced his retirement on 3 March 2007, before the disciplinary ruling was delivered. He was initially banned for life from playing rugby, fined £17,000, and ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation to the supporter he struck.
However, following an appeal in June 2007, the lifetime ban was reduced to a five-year suspension after it was deemed disproportionate to the offence. The appeal committee’s decision also recorded the supporter’s account of the events surrounding the incident.
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