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Paris - Despite being embroiled in a homophobia storm, burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud was included in France coach Jacques Brunel's Six Nations squad announced on Wednesday.
In his first squad selection as head of the French team since taking over from sacked veteran Guy Noves last month, Brunel recalled experienced Clermont half-back Morgan Para for his first inclusion in two years.
Bastareaud's selection was no surprise as Brunel had defended the Toulon back on Tuesday following a controversial homophobic slur used by the 29-year-old in a match against Treviso on Sunday that was widely heard on live television.
Bastareaud may yet have to withdraw from the squad, though, as later on Wednesday he faces a European Professional Club Rugby hearing for his offence that could see him banned for the entirety of the Six Nations.
Brunel dropped out-of-form Montpellier No.8 Louis Picamoles and Toulon flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc, who has lost his place at both club and country to young star Anthony Belleau.
Squad:
Forwards: Eddy Ben Arous, Yacouba Camara, Camille Chat, Paul Gabrillaugues, Cedate Gomes Sa, Kevin Gourdon, Guilhem Guirado, Arthur Iturria, Anthony Jelonch, Felix Lambey, Wenceslas Lauret, Sekou Macalou, Jefferson Poirot, Dany Priso, Rabah Slimani, Marco Tauleigne, Christopher Tolofua, Sebastien Vahaamahina
Backs: Mathieu Bastareaud, Anthony Belleau, Henry Chavancy, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Brice Dulin, Antoine Dupont, Benjamin Fall, Matthieu Jalabert, Remi Lamerat, Maxime Machenaud, Geoffrey Palis, Morgan Parra, Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakataw
