1
France blow: Romain Ntamack to miss entire Autumn Nations Series
By Ian Cameron
Fly-half Romain Ntamack will miss France's entire Autumn Nations Series after sustaining a calf injury two weeks ago with Stade Toulousain.
The decision was reached in consultation with the French team’s staff and is aimed at ensuring a full recovery without risking further damage.
Ntamack - who came off shortly before half-time in Stade Toulousain's 48-14 victory over Clermont on October 12 - has been undergoing recovery since a medical assessment confirmed a three to four-week absence.
On Saturday during Stade Toulousain’s match against Toulon the 25-year-old discussed his injury with Canal Plus. He revealed initial concerns over a potential Achilles injury. “There was a lot of concern because the injury is on the lower part of the calf,” Ntamack said. “I was afraid that the Achilles tendon was affected but was reassured by the physiotherapists.”
With 37 caps to his name, Ntamack was notably absent from Fabien Galthié’s squad of 42 players announced ahead of the November 9 test against Japan at the Stade de France.
The French team will also play New Zealand and Argentina on November 16 and November 22, respectively.
"My injury is progressing well, more fear than harm. I don't have a specific deadline but am taking the time needed to avoid a relapse," said Ntamack. "I’m doing things in order and trying not to rush."
The fly-half is expected to return to play by late November and will now set his sights on a potential comeback for the 2025 Six Nations.
It's another brutal and cruel blow for both the player and for France, who were without this time last year at the Rugby World Cup.
In fact his last appearance for France was on August 12, 2023, against Scotland, a game after which he sustained a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments