Anthony Jelonch, USA News (Marcoussis, France): Following a heavy blow to the jaw sustained during the match between Pau and Toulouse, it was widely anticipated that flanker Anthony Jelonch would struggle to report for national team duty in Marcoussis. This was officially confirmed on Monday morning, as the French international was ruled out due to an unfavorable concussion protocol following Sunday’s game. Having returned to competition on October 18 in a Champions Cup match against Exeter, the Toulouse player had featured in three consecutive match sheets and started on the pitch at Stade du Hameau. Initially called up by Fabien Galthié and released over the weekend to secure playing time, Jelonch now makes way for young Antoine Deliance, who delivered another standout performance as captain of LOU at just 21 years old. A former captain of France’s under-20 side, the Lyon player—trained at RC Viriat and previously with US Bressane—has established himself as a key squad member, signaling a promising future for the national setup.
Charles Kante Samba Replaces Joshua Brennan
Jelonch is not the only Toulouse player forced to withdraw from the gathering. His club teammate Joshua Brennan is similarly sidelined and has been replaced by La Rochelle second-rower Charles Kante Samba, also 21 years old. The number four forward has also passed through the under-20 ranks and has secured regular starting appearances in the Top 14 since last season. Serving as training partners, Kante Samba and Deliance will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and are expected to be released by the coaching staff on Wednesday evening. As a reminder, the France national team is set to face Fiji next Saturday at 9:10 p.m. at the Stade de France, followed by a fixture against South Africa on Friday, November 13, also at 9:10 p.m.
