France appointed its third captain, Baptiste Couilloud to lead a weakened French national team for their Autumn Nations Cup Final against England on Sunday.
Couilloud was called up to the French national team for the first time ahead of France's second 2018 Six Nations Championship match against Scotland as a replacement for Antoine Dupont who was injured in the first match against Ireland. He made his debut two weeks later against Italy coming on for Maxime Machenaud in the 70th minute of an eventual 34–17 home victory and have represented France in a total of four tests.
Couilloud replaces Baptiste Serin who was captain against Italy and have to return to his club due to an agreement reached between the FFR and the French Top14 clubs.
An agreement reached between the FFR and the French Top14 clubs, limits French national coach Galthie to pick a player for a maximum of three tests during the Autumn Nations Cap. This agreement was reached after the French Top14 clubs threatened legal action in response to the extended international window announced for 2020.