FRANCE COACH GUY Novès has told French media that Louis Picamoles will miss next weekend’s Six Nations clash with Ireland in Paris.
The Toulouse number eight, who will join Northampton at the end of the season, limped off in the first quarter of France’s 23-21 win over Italy in Stade de France this afternoon, appearing to be in great discomfort.
Speaking to Rugbyrama after the game, Novès confirmed that Picamoles will miss the meeting with Joe Schmidt’s Ireland next Saturday, having suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh.
Picamoles is a powerful presence for les Bleus and was centrally involved in the first try for Novès’ men against the Italians, his handling allowing the ball to be shifted wide for the explosive Virimi Vakatawa to score.
Picamoles was replaced by his Toulouse teammate Yacouba Camara in the first half, with Damien Chouly moving into the number eight position in his absence.
La Rochelle number eight Kevin Gourdon is another contender to start for the French if Picamoles is missing next weekend, having been named in Novès’ Six Nations squad. Nonetheless, losing Picamoles would be a blow for the French ahead of the visit of Ireland.
