Back from injury at the start of the week, Matthieu Jalibert does indeed start on Friday night for the round 10 Top 14 clash against Pau.

Matthieu Jalibert returns to the Union Bordeaux-Bègles starting XV on Friday night, against Section Paloise, in round 10 of the Top 14. The international fly-half, sidelined since the end of October with a right thigh injury, therefore makes his big return to championship pitches, having missed France’s November tour.

It is a return that will do UBB a world of good, already deprived of numerous players away with France or sidelined long term. Lined up alongside young scrum-half Valentin Hutteau, Jalibert will have to carry the Gironde attack against a Pau side who have been consistently impressive since the start of the season. A major asset for UBB, at a time when the club, rather laboured since the campaign began, needs stability.

Also worth noting is the presence of another France international, Emilien Gailleton, named on the Section bench to take on Bordeaux.