Emilien Gailleton, a center for Section Paloise, continues to be a valuable player in the French national team, though his position in key matches has been inconsistent. He has expressed a desire to become a regular starter, but his selection often depends on competition at his position. Sometimes he starts, and other times he is moved to the bench when another player takes his place. This fluctuation can be mentally challenging for him, as he is called upon only to later be sidelined, which can create tension within the team. During the 2026 tournament, Gailleton started against Wales and Italy, scoring two tries in those matches. However, he was moved to the bench for the game against England. This pattern illustrates the difficulty of securing a consistent place in the national team, even when opportunities arise. This summer, Gailleton joined the French squad on a tour but did not play a single minute in the three matches against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Seven players from the 42-man squad were not used in those games, and Gailleton was the most experienced among them, having been selected 13 times before the tour. The team had warned him in advance, which helped ease the disappointment of not playing. He found the experience difficult, being away from his family while others had time off, but he did not refuse the selection, knowing that an injury could change the situation for someone else. He also wanted to stay connected with the team, especially as the World Cup approaches. After returning home, he focused on settling his new house with his partner, shifting his attention to the upcoming season. At Section Paloise, Gailleton has found a sense of stability. He is trusted by his teammates and feels confident enough to voice his opinions to the coaches about team strategy. Last season, the Palois played 20 Top 14 matches, with 17 of them starting for Gailleton, during which he scored 8 tries. These performances earned him a spot in the official XV of the 2025-2026 season. This season, he has started each of the first three championship matches, showing consistency at the club level. However, in the French national team, the situation is different. Gailleton is not a leader and must fight for playing time. At Section Paloise, leadership was assigned to him without him asking for it, which he admits is not something he is very comfortable with. He prefers to lead by example, using his energy and effort on the field rather than speaking up. Over the past five seasons at Section Paloise, Gailleton’s game has evolved. Initially more flamboyant in attack, he later focused on improving his defensive skills. Now, he blends both aspects, using better judgment in his runs and increasing his speed. In his first season at Section Paloise (2022-2023), he became the top scorer in the Top 14 with 14 tries in 24 matches and was named the season's Revelation, despite being only 19 at the start of the season. Gailleton aims to make more standout plays in crucial matches and assert himself when the situation is challenging. He cites Conrad Smith, a former player at Section Paloise, for his understanding of the game in both attack and defense, and Jonny Wilkinson for his mental strength under pressure. This Saturday evening, Gailleton will have his first chance to prove himself when Section Paloise hosts La Rochelle, with several key players returning to the team.