Rugby-France hope for injury reprieve in Six Nations title defence

Rugby Union - 2023 Six Nations Championship launch - London, Britain - January 23, 2023 France's Antoine Dupont and head coach Fabien Galthie pose with the Six Nations trophy during the launch Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

LONDON (Reuters) - France coach Fabien Galthie is wary of player burnout in a Rugby World Cup year as he begins the defence of the Six Nations crown won last year in convincing fashion by counting down the 16 matches to the global final in Paris on Oct. 28.

The French domestic season is a long one and Galthie is already without a number of key players going into the Six Nations, which will be a final competitive run-out before they host the World Cup in eight months’ time.