France confirm double injury blow in dire morning for hosts

World Cup hosts France have confirmed a double injury blow following on from news this morning that star flyhalf Romain Ntamack will miss the Rugby World Cup with an ACL injury.

In a statement, the FFR writes: “Romain Ntamack was hit in the left knee and had to leave the field. Imaging performed this morning diagnosed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Consequently, Romain Ntamack will be forfeited for the World Cup.”

The union have also confirmed that starting prop Cyril Baille – who is considered by many to be the best loosehead in the sport – will now also likely miss the tournament.

“For Cyril Baille, who was replaced during the match, the imaging performed this morning diagnosed a musculo-aponeurotic detachment of the internal gastrocnemius (right calf). His unavailability would be 5 to 6 weeks.”

Such a forecast will see Baille miss the entire pool stages of the competition, but given that context it is unlikely Fabien Galthie will bring him as part of his 33-man squad.

Romain, on pense très fort à toi. 😢
Tout le groupe est à ton soutien, on te souhaite un bon rétablissement ❤️‍🩹🙏@RomainNtamack #UnisPourUnRêve #NeFaisonsXV #XVdeFrance pic.twitter.com/lfj1UIHWPj

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) August 14, 2023

They have also released tighthead Demba Bamba back to his club after he suffered an ankle injury against Scotland in the Murrayfield match played nine days ago. 

“In addition, Demba Bamba was injured during the Scotland-France match on Saturday August 5 in Edinburgh. Following an ankle contusion, he benefited from an adjustment of his training last week. He is released to his club this week. Thomas Laclayat (25 years old, 0 selection, Racing 92) has joined the group of 42 players from the XV of France.”

France are set to face Fiji and Australia in their remaining two Rugby World Cup warm-up games, before taking on the All Blacks in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Paris on September 8th.