Hard blow for the CO! The English international pillar Will Collier, great architect of the good start to the Castres season, will be absent from the field for at least 1 month following a calf injury. The former Harlequins will miss several important meetings…
This is bad news which tarnishes Castres Olympique's excellent start to the season in the Top 14. According to information obtained by a source close to the Tarn club, English international right pillar Will Collier (33) should be removed from the field for at least 1 month.
Recruited last summer from Harlequins, the tall Englishman with two national team caps quickly established himself as a member of the Castres pack through his physical density and technical qualities.
But unfortunately for the CO, its solid pillar was forced to leave its partners prematurely during the home defeat against UBB last Saturday (3-13). Coming into play at half-time to replace Georgian Levan Chilachava, Will Collier lasted only 10 minutes before feeling a sharp pain in his left calf.
A heavy diagnosis
The first medical examinations did not reassure the Tarn staff. The results of the MRI taken immediately confirmed initial fears: Will Collier was suffering from “a calf injury with hematoma which will keep him away from the field for four or five weeks » according to the club's official press release.
A real blow for Castres Olympique as crucial European deadlines loom. Castres coach Pierre-Henry Broncan will have to cope without his imposing right pillar for most of the month of January.
Crucial continental meetings
The former Harlequins player will certainly miss the last two Champions Cup group matches, at home against the Bulls (January 11) then at Saracens (January 19). Unfortunate timing as the CO will play its qualification for the final stages during these two matches.
This physical problem deprives the Tarn club of a major asset in combat zones. Because in addition to being a formidable ball scratcher, the Englishman brought all his power to the closed scrum. His absence could weigh heavily when facing the massive Saracens pack in London.
A hoped-for return for the trip to Racing
If the rehabilitation goes well, the Castres staff hopes to recover Will Collier for the reception of Racing 92 on the weekend of January 28 during the 15th day of Top 14. A meeting where his presence would be more than desirable to hope to bring down the Ile-de-France residents in the cauldron of Pierre-Fabre.
Until then, Pierre-Henry Broncan will have to find solutions to fill the absence of his flagship recruit alongside Wilfrid Hounkpatin and Levan Chilachava. The bet is far from won given the impact that Will Collier had since his arrival at the CO.
Castres Olympique therefore finds itself deprived of its titular right pillar at the worst of times, while the return phase of the Top 14 should weigh very heavily in the race for the Top 6. The Tarnais will have to grit their teeth and find solutions to overcome the problem. absence of this centerpiece of their pack. The whole club is holding its breath waiting for the recovery of its powerful English pillar.
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