A Few Tweaks
Bastareaud picked, Pape captain for France Six Nations squad
Burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud was called up to France's Six Nations squad nearly three years after making his last international appearance, and coach Philippe Saint-Andre retained Pascal Pape as captain on Friday. Full Story.(Photo: The Canadian Press)
Uncharted Waters
Scotland has included 10 uncapped players in its provisional 35-man squad for the Six Nations as the team looks to improve on its dismal showing in the last tournament. One of the new players called up by interim coach Scott Johnson, who is filling in following the resignation of Andy Robinson last month, is New Zealand-born Sean Maitland. Full Story.
Getting the Call
Flanker Paul Derbyshire and midfielder Gonzalo Garcia were called up to Italy's Six Nations squad on Thursday, returning to the national team for the first time since the 2011 World Cup. Coach Jacques Brunel selected 30 players for the Azzurri's opening matches against France at the Stadio Olimpico on Feb. 3 and at Scotland on Feb. 9. Full Story.
