East London - Former Dale College and South African Schools' lock Steven Hall has been drafted into the French national rugby squad which faces Italy in their opening Six Nations match on Saturday.
Hall, who was part of the unbeaten 1990 Dale first team coached by Mickey Paterson, has been playing club rugby in the south of France for Beziers since 1997.
Hall is the second player in the French team with South African roots, the other being powerhouse tighthead prop Peter De Villiers.
Steven's brother Brad, also an ex-Dale first teamer who lives and works in King William's Town, said his brother had been originally chosen in a French squad of 40 prior to them meeting the Springboks towards the end of last year but had been sidelined with an ankle injury.
"Steven linked up with the French squad yesterday and is to start the match at eighthman.
"He's very excited but sounded rather nervous when I spoke to him on Sunday night," Brad said.
Brad and Steven played together in the 1989 Dale first team.
Steven represented Border Schools in 1990 and 1991, South African Schools in 1991 and South Africa U23 in 1994.
Steven's father Errol, who recently relocated to Johannesburg, said Steven had contacted him on Wednesday evening with the news.
"It was a pleasant surprise and the family is chuffed.
"I've had countless congratulatory calls and we'll be glued to the television come hell or high water," Hall senior said.
When contacted in Paris on Sunday, Hall had just emerged from a press conference.
He said he had been relaxing at home when his coach phoned to pass on the news of his selection.
"I'm really thrilled. After my ankle injury I had heard nothing from the French authorities and thought my chance was over despite having a good run last season.
"The final side is being announced tomorrow morning (Tuesday) and although I play mostly lock, I understand I will be tried at eighthman," he said.
Hall said although there had been murmours regarding his selection, he never thought he would play for France.
He said De Villiers was one of the few players he knew in the French squad as they had both turned out for SA Universities in 1992. - Sapa