Antoine Dupont praises son of controversial former Ireland international ahead of Six Nations clash

Born in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Brennan moved to Toulouse at a young age when his father Trevor Brennan joined the club as a player. Although Irish by birth, Joshua’s rugby education took place in France. He began playing at the Aucamville Academy before joining Toulouse at just 12, progressing steadily through the ranks at the Top 14 champions.

Now 24, Brennan has been called into Fabien Galthié’s France squad for their Six Nations opener against Ireland in Paris next Thursday. The Toulouse forward has been added as a replacement for his club team-mate Thibaud Flament, who confirmed this week that he will miss the match as it clashes with his wife’s fertility treatment.

Brennan made his France debut last summer against the All Blacks, appearing twice on the tour of New Zealand when Galthié rested many senior players. His domestic form since then has been strong. He has started nine matches for Toulouse this season and come off the bench on three further occasions, operating mainly at lock but also covering the back row.

His progress has been closely observed by those around him, including France captain and Toulouse scrum-half Antoine Dupont. Dupont spoke positively about Brennan’s development and his future at international level.

“Yeah, he's improving year after year. He's still a young player, a very tough guy on the field. And he's starting to be a more complete player than when he started. So I think he has the potential to be a very good player internationally.”

Those words carry significant weight, given Dupont’s standing within the game. While Brennan’s Irish background and family history will inevitably attract attention ahead of next week’s clash, it is his continued improvement and the endorsement of France’s captain that highlight why he is now a serious option for Galthié as the Six Nations begins.