Injuries mount for French ahead of Six Nations
NEWS: Injury woes in the French camp ahead of the Six Nations are mounting with yet another player, Antoine Dupont’s understudy Leo Coly, sent back to his club (Montpellier) after suffering a thigh injury during training.
French coach Fabien Galthie has had to contend with regular scrumhalves Maxime Lucu and Baptiste Couilloud already sidelined, while, tight-head prop Uini Atonio sat out training on Wednesday for a second straight day with a knee problem.
It is expected that Coly, who was penciled in as back-up for the French captain for France’s tournament opener in Italy on February 5, will be out of action for at least a month.
The uncapped 23-year-old will most likely also miss out on the match against Ireland in Dublin on February 11. He could return against Scotland on February 26 in Paris.
“A little tear to put an end to my time (with France),” Coly said on Instagram.
“Time for recovery,” he added.
Coly is one of 14 players from the 42-man squad to return to their clubs but he will miss his outfit’s trip to league leaders Toulouse on Sunday.
Winger Matthis Lebel and flanker Francois Cros, who play for the side at the top of the table, are also among those made available for their clubs this weekend.
Racing 92’s Nolann Le Garrec is the other scrum-half in Galthie’s set-up.
The French coach, who will lead hosts France at this year’s Rugby World Cup, is set to name his matchday squad for the Italy game on February 3.
