Four new faces in French rugby side

France coach Bernard Laporte picked four newcomers yesterday in his 40-man squad for next month's Six Nations rugby tournament.

Centre Romain Cabannes and hooker Benoit August, who play for champions Biarritz, and Clermont prop Laurent Emmanuelli and fullback Anthony Floch were the uncapped players named. Saracens first five-eighths Thomas Castaignede was selected despite a thigh injury.

Captain Fabien Pelous was also included even though he will be sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.

First five-eighths Frederic Michalak was left out due to a serious knee injury and is unlikely to take part in the competition. But Laporte was hopeful he would be fit for the World Cup in France in September.