Mathieu Bastareaud dropped by Jacques Brunel in France’s Rugby World Cup squad

France head coach Jacques Brunel has left centre Mathieu Bastareaud and wing Teddy Thomas out of his World Cup squad.

The 30-year-old Toulon centre was vice-captain for Les Bleus during the Six Nations but the arrival of Fabien Galthie as assistant coach to Brunel has seen a number of high-profile names omitted.

As well as USMLR-bound Bastareaud, there is no place for wing Thomas, scrum-half Morgan Parra nor prop Uini Atonio in the 37-man squad.

French newspaper Midi Olympique alluded to difference in opinion between Bastareaud and Galthie as a reason for his absence.

Three uncapped players are included with Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka, Toulon prop Emerick Setiano and Clermont wing Alivereti Raka in with a chance of making the plane to Japan when the squad is finalised.

Sofiane Guitoune is one of seven Toulouse players who claim a place in the squad after celebrating being crowned Top 14 champions with their 24-18 win over Clermont Auvergne at Stade de France.

And Brunel said he could not overlook the centre’s form under Ugo Mola, as the opportunity falls to the 30-year-old to impress at the expense of Bastareaud.

France have been drawn in Pool C for the World Cup in Japan along with England, Argentina, USA and Tonga.

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France 37-man squad for Rugby World Cup training camp

Forwards: Gregory Alldritt, Demba Bamba, Yacouba Camara, Camille Chat, Paul Gabrillagues, Guilhem Guirado, Arthur Iturria, Felix Lambey, Wenceslas Lauret, Bernard Le Roux, Peato Mauvaka, Jefferson Poirot, Louis Picamoles, Dany Priso, Emerick Setiano, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina

Backs: Geoffrey Doumayrou, Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune, Yoann Huget, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, Maxime Medard, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin

Standby: Anthony Belleau, Francois Cros, Etienne Falgoux, Charles Ollivon, Vincent Rattez, Paul Willemse