France have been dealt a further injury blow ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, with another forward ruled out for the start of the Championship.
Uncapped lock Emmanuel Meafou will miss France’s opening match of the tournament against Ireland.
The New Zealand-born and Australian-raised second-rower qualified for France at the end of 2023 through residency and was tipped to make his long-awaited debut for Les Bleus.
The 2.03m and 145kg colossus was likely to feature in the starting XV in their opening game against at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
However,
has confirmed that will miss the match against the defending champions due to a knee injury, but reports state that the problem is not severe enough to replace him in the squad. He could then make his Test debut in France’s second game of the tournament against Scotland.
It’s another blow to Fabien Galthie’s second-row stocks, with Meafou’s club teammate Thibaud Flament also ruled out of the Ireland Test.
Meafou was forced off the pitch in Toulouse’s 31-19 win over Bath and was named man of the match for his efforts.
The news comes after Toulouse back-rower Anthony Jelonch sustained an ACL injury in the same Champions Cup clash on Sunday.
Jelonch has since been replaced in the squad by clubmate Alexandre Roumat – son of former Les Blues star Olivier Roumat – who will be looking to earn his Test debut.
Cameron Woki is likely to fill one of the lock positions for France next weekend and could be joined by Lyon’s Romain Taofifenua.
Galthie does have other options as well in the form of Stade Francais lock Paul Gabrillagues and Toulon’s uncapped Matthias Halagahu.
Forwards: Cyril Baille, Reda Wardi, Sebastien Taofifenua, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Thomas Laclayat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Gaetan Barlot, Emmanuel Meafou, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Paul Gabrillagues, Matthias Halagahu, Gregory Alldritt (c), Francois Cros, Alexandre Roumat, Charles Ollivon, Esteban Abadie, Paul Boudehent
Backs: Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Gibert, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Emilien Gailleton, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, Matthis Lebel, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos
