Hard blow for the winger of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles and the XV of France, Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Sunday, the one everyone calls “LBB” had to give up the Champions Cup match against the Sharks, but also the Blues rally in Marcoussis. Victim of dizziness linked to an inner ear disorder, his presence for the start of the Six Nations Tournament remains pending.
A last minute package
Scheduled to start at full-back against the Durban Sharks, Louis Bielle-Biarrey was replaced at short notice by Joey Carbery. Yannick Bru, manager of UBB, detailed the situation at a press conference: “He had a series of dizziness, which is linked to an inner ear disorder. He had loss of balance and no strength before the match. He had had such beginnings, but never at such an important stage. We will let the doctors work. »
As a precaution, the Blues staff also decided not to include the Bordeaux winger at the Marcoussis gathering, preferring to replace him with Killian Tixeront, third row of Clermont.
A return under surveillance
If supporters of the UBB and the XV of France hope that this setback will only be temporary, the exact duration of his unavailability remains unclear. Exams scheduled for Monday will determine whether the winger will be able to play the first match of the Tournament, on January 31 against Wales. For the moment, there is no indication that he will be out, but the staff prefers to remain cautious.
-A scary attacker
Since the start of the season, Louis Bielle-Biarrey has simply been on fire. With 16 tries in 15 matches in all competitions, he has established himself as one of the leading attackers the most feared in French rugby. A great architect of the last November tour with the Blues (4 tries in 3 matches), he has become a must for Fabien Galthié.
But this sudden halt raises questions. Yannick Bru, lucid, recalled that inner ear problems could be complex: « This cannot be resolved with the snap of a finger. Fingers crossed that this will be resolved quickly. »
An opportunity for Tixeront
In the immediate future, the absence of “LBB” benefits Killian Tixeront. The third line from Clermont, author of an impressive match against Bristol in the Champions Cup, therefore joins the 42 of the XV of France. A great opportunity for this young player, determined to seize his chance at Marcoussis.
