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France confirm double injury blow in dire morning for hosts
By Ian Cameron
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.
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.
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Latest Comments
I wouldn’t think the risk is cash flow, as they have large cash reserves they said all through covid.
I suspect the author has it completely wrong as it pertains to the pool as well, because I can’t see the contracts of players changing year to year like revenue does.
I’d imagine there is an agreed principle to a ‘forecast’ figure of revenue for a cyclical period, and this is what 37% or whatever of is used for player salaries. So it would not change whatever that figure is until the next cycle. Cash flow, as you said, would be the main factor, but as they aren’t paid all it once, they’d not be hindered in this manor I don’t believe. Of all the references I’ve seen of a the player pool agreement, not once have I seen any detail on how the amount is determined.
But yes, that would be a very reasoned look at the consequences, especially compared those I’ve seen in articles on this site. Even with turnonver north of $350 million a year, 20 is still a sizeable chunk. Like this RA’s broadcast deal, they might have smaller sponsorship for a short period to align with everything else, then look to develop the deal further heading into the Lions tour cycle? Perhaps trying to take a deal from low to high like that is unlikely to a long term investor, and NZR want to get a good shortterm deal now so they can capitalize on growth for the Lions (i’m assuming that series has consequences on more than just broadcast deals right).
Go to commentsAnd a few Australians too ……
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