Toulon centre Juan Ignacio Brex underwent surgery on his biceps this week following an injury sustained against Pau, leaving the Rugby Club Toulonnais and the Italy national team facing an extended absence, it was reported Thursday. The 34-year-old backline regular was forced off in the 53rd minute of last weekend’s Top 14 fixture at Stade Mayol.
Biceps Surgery Rules Out Italy’s Autumn Tests
Brex’s procedure sidelines him for several months, ruling him out of Italy’s upcoming Autumn Nations Series matches against South Africa, Argentina, and Fiji, according to the club announcement. The Italian international had started four of Toulon’s last five Top 14 matches, anchoring the midfield under head coach Franck Azéma. The setback deals a heavy blow to the Nazionale, which is already operating without centre Tommaso Menoncello after the former Benetton player suffered an acromioclavicular sprain in October following his summer move to Toulouse.
Mounting Casualty List at Stade Mayol
Toulon enters Saturday’s away fixture against USAP at Stade Aimé-Giral with a crowded medical room. Alongside Brex, the club is currently missing Dany Priso, Judicaël Cancoriet, Matthias Halagahu, Gabin Villière, and Marius Domon due to various injuries. During an open training session Thursday, the club reported three additional physical scares when Lewis Ludlam, Owen Sorhaindo, and young fly-half Luka Keletaona all left the pitch early. Staff are waiting on medical examinations to determine the severity of Keletaona’s knee injury after the youngster made six appearances this season.
Juan Ignacio Brex makin’ the break to help put @BenettonRugby in the driving seat at half-time 💥🇬🇧 @PremierSportsTV💻 https://t.co/CeNCIlfD9i#️⃣ #BENvCON🏆 #GuinnessPRO14RainbowCup pic.twitter.com/xOv22wIDyp
Mixed Medical Updates Ahead of Perpignan Trip
Amid the growing injury concerns, Toulon received positive news regarding prop Rabah Slimani and winger Gaël Dréan. Slimani has been cleared to resume contact training following a hand injury, though his involvement for the eighth round of Top 14 action remains under review. Dréan has likewise returned to contact work as he continues his recovery following heart surgery, though the coaching staff emphasized that no timeline has been set for his competitive return. Defence coach Cédric Béal noted that third-rower Lewis Ludlam managed a minor hip niggle during Thursday’s session but is expected to be fit for the weekend.
International Call-Ups Complicate Squad Selection
Beyond the injuries, Toulon must manage player availability against international window overlaps. Several squad members remain tied to their respective national team setups ahead of the November tests, including Mathis Ferté, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Tomás Albornoz, Ben White, and Huw Jones. Béal confirmed that final decisions regarding whether these players will travel to Perpignan for Saturday’s 21:00 local time (20:00 UTC) kickoff will be made following final medical clearances and discussions with national team staff.
