This is a new hard blow that Fabien Galthié will have to deal with to begin the 2024 Six Nations Tournament. Already deprived of his starting point, due to the absence of Antoine Dupont (who favors rugby 7 with a view to the Paris 2024 Olympics ) and Romain Ntamack (convalescence), the coach of the French XV will also have to do without one of the captains of the second line.
Victim of a broken toe during the match between Stade Toulouse and Cardiff in the Champions Cup on December 9, the Paris native will not be recovered in time to face Ireland, according to L’Équipe. If a month of absence was initially mentioned, the duration of unavailability should ultimately reach eight weeks. Enough to also compromise his presence at Murrayfield to challenge Scotland on Saturday January 10.
Paul Gabrillagues recalled four years later?
To replace the 26-year-old Toulouse, in addition to the regulars Cameron Woki and Romain Taofifenua, two names come up insistently, again according to L’Équipe. Now eligible for Blue, Emmanuel Meafou, should be part of the list of 34 players that Fabien Galthié will announce on Wednesday January 17. Another applicant, Paul Gabrillagues. In good shape with Stade Français, of which he is captain, the 30-year-old could honor his first selections with Fabien Galthié as coach, since he has not worn the blue jersey since the quarter-final lost against the Pays de Wales at the 2019 World Cup.
On the Irish side, three significant absences are also worth noting, for the entire Tournament. Both injured for a long time, winger Mike Hansen (shoulder) and three-quarter Jimmy O’Brien (neck) will not be in the game. Same thing for Munster prop Dave Kilcoyne, who has just had shoulder surgery.
