France have been forced to pull former Western Force winger David Smith out of their squad for Friday’s Six Nations clash with Wales after discovering he did not qualify to play for Les Bleus.
The embarrassment for the French Rugby Federation emerged just hours after Samoa-born Smith, who played Super Rugby for the Blues, Hurricanes and Force, was brought in to the squad as injury cover.
After Marvin O’Connor and Teddy Thomas were ruled out of France’s plans by problems sustained on club duty over the weekend, coach Guy Noves summoned winger Djibril Camara and France-based Smith.
But the 29-year-old Castres flyer Smith told French officials he had previously played for New Zealand at the 2008 Edinburgh Sevens, scuppering the prospect of a debut in Cardiff.
In a statement on their website, the FFR said it had a document dating from August 2014, which indicated that Smith “appeared eligible” for France, and he was duly called to the training camp at Marcoussis.
“On his arrival, David revealed to us he played in 2008 at Edinburgh in the international Sevens tournament for New Zealand,” the FFR said.
“Because of this fact, David Smith isn’t eligible for selection for the France XV according to international rules and will be released from the squad on Monday morning.”
Smith played with the Force in 2011 before leaving Western Australia the same year to join French powerhouse Toulon where he stayed until being transferred to Castres at the start of the current Top 14 season.
CUW
Guest
back in september 2014, France coach Philippe Saint-Andre revealed that ten foreign players in the Top 14 will be monitored as part of a 74-man squad. The 10 potentially selectable foreigners: Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Francis van der Merwe (Racing Metro), Steffon Armitage (Toulon), Alex Tulou (Montpellier), Rory Kockott (Castres), Brock James (Clermont), Blair Connor (Bordeaux Begles), Noa Nakaitaci (Clermont), David Smith (Toulon), Scott Spedding (Brive). isnt it funny that they did not think of these LAWs ???? guess it explains why france are such a rubbish international team.
ClarkeG
Guest
Yes much like Tim Nanai-Williams did. He had previously played for NZ Sevens but because he played a number of World Series sevens tournaments for Samoa he was able to play for Samoa at the World Cup.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Ironically he probably could have played for France if they had made him eligible through the 7s loophole.
Not Bothered
Guest
What, David Smith isnt French!? Can Speight play for France? I know hes Fijian but hes played for Australia so I guess nationality doesnt really matter. I guess theyll have to get French players to play for France, such a shame.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
That sucks... love watching him play.