France get Six Nations boost as trio return

FRANCE’S hopes of defending their Six Nations Grand Slam got a boost on Sunday when it was revealed the Biarritz trio of Serge Betsen, Thomas Lievremont and Nicolas Brusque were to return to training today.

While Betsen is set to miss the opening Six Nations match at home to Scotland on Saturday, he is expected to be fully recovered from his thigh injury to play for his club against Grenoble on the same day.

Fellow back-rower Thomas Lievremont missed Friday’s victory over Pau because of a painful calf muscle but is fit to resume training and will be available for the Six Nations match away to England on February 13.