Stade Toulousain stars Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos returned to training at Ernest-Wallon on Monday, August 10, kicking off their preparations for the upcoming Top 14 season, according to reports from AFP and Quinzemondial.
Stade Toulousain Welcomes Back Internationals
Following a demanding campaign that concluded with a fourth Bouclier de Brennus title in late June after a 28-20 victory against MHR, Ugo Mola gave his most-used internationals extended leave, as reported by Quinzemondial. That group of returning players also included Blair Kinghorn, Teddy Thomas, Julien Marchand, François Cros, and Thibaud Flament.
The squad is using the facilities at Ernest-Wallon to rebuild physical conditioning. Time is short for the defending champions, with only three weeks remaining before the opening fixture of the new domestic campaign.
Tough Start Looming Against La Rochelle
According to Quinzemondial, the team’s first outing is scheduled for September 6, featuring a difficult away trip to face Stade Rochelais.
While the return of marquee names like Dupont and Ramos bolsters the roster, Mola still lacks a full complement of players. A final wave of squad members who participated in the Nations Championship during July remains on break and is not expected back until the following Monday.
Remaining Absences and Upcoming Schedule
Quinzemondial notes that the players yet to rejoin training include Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Graou, Romain Ntamack, Kalvin Gourgues, Efrain Elias, and Tomas Rapetti. These late returnees will rejoin their teammates one week after their colleagues, narrowing the window for full-squad tactical sessions before the trip to La Rochelle.
As Toulouse balances the physical management of its star players with the demands of an early-season blockbuster, the coaching staff must prepare the roster for a challenging defense of their domestic crown.
Worth a look
