France women's rugby team to tour New Zealand without captain Bourdon Sansus

The French women's national rugby team will travel to New Zealand for a three-match tour in October without captain Pauline Bourdon Sansus. The scrum-half, who is the most capped active player for France, will remain in France for family reasons but remains available to the squad if needed.

Head coach François Ratier faces further selection challenges as regular skipper Manae Feleu is unavailable due to medical studies. Additionally, the squad will be without Yllana Brosseau, Siobhan Soqeta, and Charlotte Escudero due to injuries. The team will also navigate the suspensions of Cloé Correa and Ambre Mwayembe, who cannot participate in the first match following a game against Australia.

The tour includes matches against the Black Ferns on October 17, 24, and 31. Ratier noted that the tour aims to continue the team's development and provide younger players with the opportunity to compete against top-tier international talent.