Manhandled in the Top 14, the Palois are only eleventh. They offer a new dynamic in the Challenge Cup. They are already qualified for the round of 16. An improved victory against the Ospreys would give them the rest of the competition at home at the Stade du Hameau.
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Smiles returned to the faces of the Section Paloise players. The victory against Newport and the qualification for the rest of the competition are not for nothing. The Béarnais brought back their first away victory this season from Wales. This Wednesday, January 15, at the training center, the players have another reason to rejoice since three of them appear on the list of players summoned by Fabien Galthié, the coach of the France team, to prepare for the tournament of the 6 Nations.
Émilien Gailleton will travel to Marcoussis to earn a starting place in the absence of Fickou and Danty. “I am in good physical and moral shape. I now know the game well.” affirms the center of the Paloise Section.
I will give my best, even if the competition is tough.
Emilien Gailletoncenter of the Pau section
Emilien Gailleton, center of the Pau section, in Pau on January 15, 2025.
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© Patricia Perin
Another logical call-up, that of Théo Attissogbe, the young twenty-year-old Pau winger. Revelation of the Top 14 last season, he is returning from injury and will be one of the outsiders in this position. “Being in competition and training with Louis Bielle Biarrey or Damian Penaud obviously helps you progress” Theo tells us.
A relaxed atmosphere surrounds them despite the workshops that follow one another, their teammates are proud to see them leave for the Blues. “The more guys who go to the French team, the better it will be for us. They will gain experience, wear our colors, and during the doubles matches, here others will fully defend the jersey of the Section” explains Eliot Roudil, the Pau captain for the European campaign.
Hugo Auradou, a deserved return?
Among the three players called up for the French team, the name of Hugo Auradou is the one that gets talked about the most. Accused of aggravated rape in Argentina with the Rochelais Oscar Jégou, he was again selectable for Florian Grill the president of the French Federation and Fabien Galthié the coach, since the dismissal pronounced in this case on December 10, and despite a new action brought by the plaintiff.
Hugo Auradou training in Pau, Pau section on January 15, 2025.
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© Patricia Perin
Hugo Auradou has regained his best level. He still does not speak to journalists but he has once again become one of the executives of the Paloise Section, a leader on the ground. “We are very happy for Hugo. All these events have been very hard for him. It has also been very hard for the club. What Hugo has done since his return to training is exceptional. We see it, he is starting to enjoy being in the group again, to smile and that's important, he knows it, but the club has complete confidence in him and is banking heavily on players with his profile in France, it's very rare. explains Brandon Fajardo, the Section coach for the European campaign.
A day to enjoy, before being swept away in another media whirlwind. Players are asked to attend an emergency meeting. They will learn that their teammate Reece Hewat is controlled on cocaine. A new storm to face.
Also available is the interview with Théo Attissogbé, international winger of the Paloise Section and the portrait of Aaron Grandidier, Olympic Rugby sevens champion and talented jack-of-all-trades.
Rugby Magazine every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on France3 Nouvelle Aquitaine and on the France.TV platform.
