Bamba proof that second-tier starlets can prop up France

Packing down in France’s ProD2 is a rite of passage for forward play. Little wonder it’s delivering readymade talent for the national side, says James Harrington.

France prop Demba Bamba’s player-of-the-match performance against Scotland a fortnight ago silenced many critics. But heading into the game, some commentators were demanding to know why super-rich French rugby needed to dig down to the second-tier ProD2 to find an international tighthead.