He is the first injured in this summer preparation for the XV of France. Already spared Tuesday at Marcoussis due to hip pain, François Cros will not be able to participate in the first preparation match for the Blues in just over a week in Scotland. The 29-year-old third line, essential holder during the Grand Slam of 2022, suffers “from a muscle lesion in the adductors identified by examinations carried out yesterday (Wednesday)”, announced this Thursday the French Rugby Federation.
“He will nevertheless remain in the group of 42 players until this weekend, continuing specific physical preparation, while benefiting from treatment adapted to his condition which will not allow him to participate in the Scotland – France match scheduled for Saturday 5 August in Edinburgh,” the statement concluded.
A season already disrupted by an injury
The Toulousain is already coming out of a season disrupted by a left knee injury. After having missed the autumn tour because of a relapse, François Cros had only been able to find the XV of France during the Six Nations Tournament. He notably celebrated his first start of the year 2023 during the historic victory in England (10-53) in March.
His absence in the third row is added to that of another executive, Anthony Jelonch. The Toulousain, victim of a rupture of the cruciate ligaments against Scotland in the Tournament at the end of February, continues his rehabilitation on his side and still hopes to find the Blues for the World Cup (September 8 – October 28) at home.
After this trip to Scotland, Fabien Galthié’s men will find the XV du Thistle a week later in Saint-Étienne. They will then face Fiji in Nantes before completing their preparation with a match against Australia at the Stade de France.
