Kockott edges closer to French debut

Rory Kockott has been called into the 30-man France squad to face Fiji, Australia and Argentina next month.

The South African scrumhalf, who is eligible to play for his adopted nation through residency rules, looks set to close a long-running saga regarding his selection for France.

France coach Philippe Saint-André has long been an admirer of the Castres star, but French Federation vice-president Serge Blanco spoke openly earlier this year about his disapproval of Kockott's selection.

It seems, though, all that is in the past now and the former Sharks player will make his debut against Fiji in Marseille on 8 November.

France will take on Australia a week later, before closing out their international season against Argentina.

Photo: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP Photo