Flyhalf injury a brutal blow for France

NEWS: France suffered a brutal blow with the news that flyhalf Romain Ntamack will miss the entire Nations Series due to injury.

France was without Ntamack this time last year at the World Cup as well.

The flyhalf last appeared in the colours of France on August 12, 2023, against Scotland, a game after which he sustained a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

Two weeks ago he sustained a calf injury while in action for Toulouse and he has been undergoing recovery since a medical assessment confirmed a three to four-week absence.

In consultation with the French medical team, it was decided that Ntamack needed to recover fully without any risk of further damage.

The experienced Ntamack was notably absent from Fabien Galthié’s squad of 42 players announced ahead of the November 9 test against Japan at the Stade de France despite his 37 caps.

The French team will also play New Zealand and Argentina on November 16 and November 22, respectively.

“My injury is progressing well, more fear than harm. I don’t have a specific deadline but am taking the time needed to avoid a relapse,” said Ntamack. “I’m doing things in order and trying not to rush.”

He is expected to return to play by late November and will now set his sights on a potential comeback for the 2025 Six Nations.