Bordeaux, France – November 13, 2025 – France captain Grégory Alldritt has publicly accepted obligation for early-season performance dips, acknowledging self-criticism as the driving force behind his approach to securing a spot in the upcoming Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against Fiji. The revelation comes amid a shakeup in the French back row, with Mickaël Guillard sidelined by injury.
Alldritt, 28, addressed concerns regarding his form with La Rochelle at the start of October, stating, “I didn’t necessarily perform the best in certain matches at the beginning of October, so the only person I blamed was me.” The candid admission underscores the intense pressure faced by the XV of France’s leadership as they prepare for a critical stage of the tournament. Guillard’s injury, sustained during a match against South Africa at the Stade de France, has opened a potential chance for Alldritt to solidify his position at number 8.
The French coaching staff previously opted for Guillard, who started in two test matches against New Zealand this summer, citing a desire to foster competition within the squad-a strategy of ”emulation,” as described by team personnel. Though, guillard’s injury prevents him from challenging the “Flying Fijians” in Saturday evening’s match in Bordeaux, scheduled for 9:10 p.m. local time.
Alldritt emphasized the constructive nature of the coaching staff’s communication, stating, “The staff explained it to me clearly, and when it’s done this way, you can only take it well and question yourself.” With 56 international caps, Alldritt remains a key figure for France, and his willingness to self-assess signals a commitment to peak performance as the team advances in the World Cup.
