Damian Penaud has been left out of France’s Six Nations squad ahead of their opening match against Ireland on February 5.

The wing is France’s all-time top try-scorer, having scored 40 tries in 59 appearances for his country.

Penaud also started all three of France’s autumn internationals in November, but he has come under fire for his defending this season, while his strike rate has also dropped.

Penaud has crossed eight times in 16 matches for Bordeaux-Begles and France so far this season, compared to his tally of 27 tries in 26 appearances in 2024-25.

France coach Fabien Galthie could recall Penaud later in the campaign, but the 29-year-old will at least miss their opening clash against the 2023 and 2024 Six Nations winners.

Back row Gregory Alldritt, who captained France at last year’s tournament, has also been omitted from the squad, along with veteran Gael Fickou.

 Découvrez le groupe des 𝟒𝟐 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 appelés pour le Tournoi des Six Nations 2026 !

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲̀𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘂𝘀 !
#XVdeFrance | @SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/9dwrH4fAiP

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) January 21, 2026

France Six Nations squad:

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Paul Boudehent, Francois Cros, Alexandre Fischer, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickael Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Temo Matiu, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Regis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Lenni Nouchi, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Cameron Woki

Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Theo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Romain Buros, Thibault Daubagna, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Drean, Antoine Dupont, Kalvin Gourgues, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Matthieu Jalibert, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin, Ugo Seunes.