France's worst fears confirmed as Vernier injury verdict announced

The French Rugby Federation have confirmed that Gabrielle Vernier will miss the remainder of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

On the occasion of her 60th cap, the 28-year-old left the pitch in the 49th minute for Teani Feleu with an apparent injury, which has been confirmed to be an AC joint dislocation by the Blagnac centre on Instagram and by her union.

With the worst fears of François Ratier confirmed, the France head coach has called in uncapped 18-year-old Stade Toulousain centre Aëlig Trégouet in the squad ahead of their clash with Ireland this weekend in Clermont-Ferrand at the Stade Marcel-Michelin.

On Saturday afternoon in Cardiff, Les Bleues beat Wales 38-7 as tries for Madoussou Fall Raclot, Manae Feleu, Lea Murie and an Anaïs Grando brace wiped out their hosts’ penalty try in the 14th minute at Cardiff Arms Park.

It is another blow for France, who lost centre Joanna Grisez in Round 1 to a significant knee injury against Italy in the team’s 40-7 win at Grenoble’s Stade des Alpes.

Quickly the team’s depth is being challenged. Ratier has not included 20-cap centre Nassira Kondé in his squad for this Women’s Six Nations, even though the 26-year-old Olympian was a starter in France’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England’s Red Roses and bronze medal match against New Zealand’s Black Ferns.

France are also without former co-captain Marine Ménanger, who retired from rugby at the conclusion of the Women’s Rugby World Cup as France finished fourth overall at the Allianz Stadium finale.

Vernier missed the end of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations after she received a red card against Ireland for a dangerous tackle on Eve Higgins.

The side will travel to Edinburgh’s Hive Stadium in Round 4 of the tournament before concluding the Championship with a visit from current world champions England at Bordeaux’s Stade Atlantique.