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The World Cup chances of France lock Paul Gabrillagues have risen considerably after his suspension was reduced to just three weeks following an appeal. His original punishment was 10 weeks, reduced to six due to mitigating circumstances.
Had the original suspension been upheld, Gabrillagues would have missed the first three matches of the pool stage. The effective length of the new suspension will now seem him miss only the tournament opener against Argentina, after which he will be free to play.
France coach Jacques Brunel has confirmed that Gabrillagues will now be considered for the tournament. He was due to be left out if the appeal was unsuccessful. Brunel also says that despite naming a 31-man squad in June, he remains open to changes before the September 8 submission deadline.
The decision leaves the door open for the six members of the extended training group – Cyril Baille, Romain Taofifenua, Charles Ollivon, François Cros, Anthony Belleau, and Vincent Rattez. There have already been three changes with Baille and Taofifenua coming in for Étienne Falgoux and Paul Willemse in the wider squad, and Virimi Vakatawa replacing Geoffrey Doumayrou in the tentative traveling group.
Les Bleus will be competing in Pool C at the World Cup along with Argentina, England, Tonga, and the USA.
