Phillipe Saint-André names strong Six Nations squad

The Fijian, who moved to France in 2010 to join the Top 14 side's Academy, is the only uncapped player in the panel although he did tour New Zealand in 2013 without being picked for a Test.

"He has become an undisputed first choice at (Clermont). He scores tries and makes differences. He has progressed enormously this season," the coach told Le Figaro yesterday.

Toulouse No8 Louis Picamoles has earned a recall with Fulgence Ouedraogo excluded from the party, while fit-again Racing Metro pair Brice Dulin and Eddy Ben Arous, Castres' centre Remi Lamerat and Bordeaux-Begles' Sofiane Guitoune are also named in the squad.

Meanwhile, Italy coach Jacques Brunel has named four uncapped backs in his 30-man squad to face Ireland and England in their opening Six Nations games.

Ireland's World Cup opponents have included 22-year-old Zebre centre Giulio Bisegni and his clubmate, winger Michele Visentin as well as Treviso's Simone Ragusi and Cammi Calvisano scrum-half Marcello Violi - the only player from Italy's domestic scene selected.

Sergio Parisse will again lead the squad which, despite being without Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Alberto Sgarbi and Samuela Vunisa can boast a strong pack including Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Alessandro Zanni.

Brunel had one eye on next September's World Cup when making his selection.

"The tournament is the last real opportunity to test some young people who are proving to have interesting qualities in Guinness Pro12 or, as in the case of Violi, at the top of the Italian top division," Brunel said.

"For them it is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate their worth in the year of the Rugby World Cup."