Hooker Szarzewski back in French squad

FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte has recalled hooker Dimitri Szarzewski to his 22-man squad to play England in the Six Nations tournament at the Stade de France on March 12.

“We have chosen to keep things as they are,” Laporte said following the 37-12 win over Italy in Paris last weekend. “We did bring back Dimitri Szarzewski, who was out injured with an Achilles tendon strain. He will replace Sebastien Bruno who has been struggling with a knee injury since November.”

Laporte and his co-selectors did also consider recalling veteran flanker Serge Betsen, fellow back-rower Remy Martin and fly-half Benjamin Boyet, but all were recovering from injuries and not yet fully fit.