The French have confirmed their arrival to Australia, ahead of the three-Test series starting on July 7
The squad and the staff touched down on Tuesday evening and will spend the next two weeks in hotel isolation as they undergo testing.
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Those within the travelling party must undergo new PCR tests, which are set to be carried out on Wedensady morning before they are cleared to start preparations for the first Test at the SCG.
France Rugby made the announcement last week they would bring an extended squad to Australia given the strict restrictions put in place, which will limit their movements to the training park and their hotel room for the next fortnight.
In a statement, RA CEO Andy Marinos welcomed their arrival whilst reaffirming their plans to play the three-Tests as scheduled despite ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions.
“We’re delighted to confirm the French team’s arrival into Australia last night as we prepare to host the eToro Test series next month," Marinos said.
“I want to thank Bernard Laporte, Fabian Galthié and the FFR for their partnership in ensuring this series could go ahead. It has been a mammoth effort by all involved.
“We are now just two weeks away from the start of the series, which kicks off with the Wallabies’ first match at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground in 35 years.
“We know the Australian Rugby community is looking forward to seeing their team back in action in what promises to be an exciting series against a French team which is determined to stamp its mark as they build toward a home Rugby World Cup in 2023.
“The Wallabies are excited to play in front of their passionate fans, so make sure you don’t miss out and secure your tickets to one of the three Tests in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane now.
“Appreciating that we continue to operate in a dynamic environment with COVID-19 impacts, we are moving ahead with our plans to host these matches as planned, subject to any further advice from our State Government partners."
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With players from TOP 14 finalists La Rochelle and Toulouse not considered for the tour, Fabien Galthié has opted to select a youthful squad.
Despite this, the Wallabies are refusing to take them lightly, well aware of the dangers of their promising talent face two years on from their defeat to France's U20's in the U20 World Championships Final as they went back-to-back.
“In 2019, everyone raves about our young (Junior Wallabies) kids; we’ve got three of them from the 20s, they’ve got six,” assistant coach Scott Wisemantel said on Tuesday.
“It’s game on. We’ve got young kids, they’ve got young kids.”
"I think they're looking to build a team for the next World Cup," Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani added.
"But players like (lock Romain) Taofifenua, he's 130 kilos plus so they're looking to have a heavy pack and we're expecting still a good side."
