Hard blow for French rugby: Romain Ntamack left with an injury during Toulouse-Clermont. Concern hovers over his participation in the November tests with the XV of France. The details of his injury and the consequences for the Blues…
It’s a scene that French rugby fans would have preferred not to see. Romain Ntamack, the talented fly-half of the XV of France and Stade Toulousain, collapsed on the pitch during the clash against Clermont this Sunday evening. Visibly injured in the right calf, he had to leave the field prematurely, leaving doubt about the seriousness of his injury and his availability for upcoming international events.
An injury that brings back bad memories
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Romain Ntamack has had to deal with physical problems. The young French rugby prodigy, aged only 24, has already experienced his share of injuries since the start of his career. The most terrible undoubtedly remains the one that occurred just before the 2023 World Cup, during preparation against Scotland.
“It was a very difficult moment. Missing a World Cup is every rugby player’s nightmare. But I knew how to bounce back. »
– confided Romain Ntamack a few months after his loss
Victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee, he was forced to withdraw from the World Cup. A hard blow for the player and for the XV of France, deprived of one of its best elements. But Romain Ntamack was able to bounce back, returning to the field last March and actively contributing to Toulouse’s European Cup and Top 14 titles.
What impact for the Blues?
If the exact nature and duration of unavailability linked to this new injury are not yet known, it in any case comes at the worst time for the staff of the XV of France. Fabien Galthié’s men must indeed play a series of test matches in November, including a highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks.
The absence of Romain Ntamack would be a real blow, as his influence on the Blues’ game is great. With Antoine Dupont, he forms one of the best hinges in the world, capable of changing a match at any time. If Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Carbonel constitute credible alternatives, the Toulouse player remains a unique asset for the French team.
Reasons to hope despite everything
Despite the legitimate concern, several elements still encourage a certain optimism. According to a source close to the Toulouse club, the injury would not be as serious as initially feared. “It’s painful but there is apparently no injury or tear,” said this informant. “He should be able to resume in 2 or 3 weeks. »
A deadline which would allow Romain Ntamack to apply for the November test matches and thus avoid further disillusionment with the Blues. But caution remains in order, as a relapse could have disastrous consequences less than a year before the 2024 World Cup in France. The Toulouse medical staff like those of the XV of France will take maximum precautions with their jewel.
The next few days will be decisive
Toulouse supporters and lovers of the French XV are therefore holding their breath while waiting to find out more about Romain Ntamack’s injury. The next medical examinations, scheduled for the beginning of the week, will be decisive in assessing the severity of the injury and establishing an appropriate treatment protocol.
In the meantime, all thoughts are with this exceptional player, hoping to see him again very soon on the pitch, with the red and black jersey or the tunic emblazoned with the rooster. French rugby needs more than ever a Romain Ntamack in full possession of his means to achieve his objectives and thrill the public. Let’s wish him a speedy recovery!
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