France suffers setback ahead of Six Nations
NEWS: Hooker Pierre Bourgarit has pulled out of France’s squad preparing for the upcoming Six Nations after contracting COVID-19, the French Rugby Federation confirmed on Monday.
La Rochelle’s Bourgarit, 23, capped five times, will be replaced by Racing 92’s 22-year-old once capped Teddy Baubigny.
Les Bleus got together on Sunday in the south of France as head coach Fabien Galthie puts them through their paces ahead of their first match against Italy on February 6 in the Stade de France.
Ten players had already withdrawn from the squad in captain and world player of the year Antoine Dupont, flyhalf Romain Ntamack, prop Cyril Baille, hooker Gaetan Barlot, back row forwards Anthony Jelonch and Francois Cros as well as lock Bernard Le Roux, who has contracted COVID.
Cameron Woki, Anthony Bouthier and Uini Atonio are also out injured.
Galthie is hoping to guide France to their first Six Nations title since 2010 having gone close last year finishing second behind Wales.
