France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday the return of captain Antoine Dupont brings an "aura" to the team before they embark on this year's Six Nations. "It's quite a magical competition," former France captain Galthie said.

French Olympic star Antoine Dupont will bring his "aura" to Les Bleus as they seek to deny Ireland an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title.

Antoine Dupont will make a return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that confirmed him as one of France's top athletes.

Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes.

Dupont is one of 13 Toulouse players included in Fabien Galthie’s 42-man France squad for the Six Nations, which begin on Dec 31. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Galthie has been forced into springing some selection surprises owing to the absence of a raft of experienced players such as Gael Fickou, Charles Ollivon and Reda Wardi.

France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday he and his coaches take "complete responsibility" for including two players in his Six Nations squad who were investigated for rape in Argentina before the case was dismissed.