(Bordeaux, France – February 14, 2026) — French rugby winger Damian Penaud is responding to his omission from the national team’s Six Nations Tournament roster by demonstrating increased commitment to his club, Bordeaux-Bègles, according to teammate Maxime Lucu.
Damian Penaud is showing greater dedication to Bordeaux-Bègles following his exclusion from the French team’s Six Nations squad.
- Damian Penaud was left off the French team for the start of the Six Nations Tournament.
- Teammate Maxime Lucu reports Penaud was “mentally affected” by the decision.
- Bordeaux-Bègles is asking Penaud to take on a leadership role within the club.
Damian Penaud, who has scored 40 tries for France’s XV, will start for Bordeaux-Bègles on Saturday in their Top 14 match against Castres, following his dismissal from the national team by Fabien Galthié for the opening of the Six Nations Tournament. According to scrum-half Maxime Lucu, Penaud’s reaction to being left off the squad has been one of increased dedication to his club.
“He was mentally affected,” Lucu said in comments relayed by RMC Sport, adding that “this match was going to hurt your heads because you want to be on the pitch and wear the jersey and experience these moments.” Lucu also stated, “it hurt Damian Penaud first,” but indicated the door to a return to the national team remains open.
A Penaud “Really Very Concerned About Training”
Despite significant competition for positions within the French team, Lucu observed “the desire to work even more and to come back” in Penaud. Lucu explained that the coaching staff has provided Penaud with specific areas for improvement, and that Penaud is aware of what he needs to do to regain his place in the France group later in the tournament. “The staff gave him the keys to what he had to work on,” Lucu said.
Lucu also noted Penaud’s strong performance in recent matches for Bordeaux-Bègles, highlighting his ability to “recover a lot of balls on high balls” during their win against Montauban, as well as his efforts despite a defeat against Stade Français. He described Penaud as “really very concerned in training, very strong in the matches he had to play.”
Lucu: “We Also Ask Him to Be Much More of a Leader”
Penaud’s time with Bordeaux-Bègles is also presenting an opportunity for him to develop new aspects of his game. “We also ask him to be much more of a leader,” Lucu explained, noting that Penaud has taken on increased responsibility for training sessions, video analysis, and preparation for upcoming weeks. Lucu believes this experience will help Penaud evolve as a player, stating, “He is learning to live differently and that will definitely help him.”
“He’s someone who wants to work, to taste this jersey again,” Lucu added. “He wants to perform with the club and if he is called up, he will want to perform well.”
Why It Matters
Penaud’s situation highlights the intense competition for places within the French national rugby team, currently ranked among the world’s best. While a setback, his response – a renewed focus on club performance and a willingness to embrace a leadership role – demonstrates a professional approach that could ultimately benefit both Bordeaux-Bègles and his prospects for a future recall to the national squad. This situation also underscores the importance of club form as a pathway back into international contention for elite players.
