Six Nations tournament: Teddy Thomas forfeits the duel against Ireland

A blow.

For the player but also for the France team.

Victim of a hamstring injury, Racing 92 winger Teddy Thomas "is unavailable for a period to be determined" announced the French Rugby Federation via a press release on Tuesday morning.

He will therefore not be on the lawn of the Stade de France on Saturday to face Ireland (9:05 p.m.) on the fifth and final day of the Six Nations tournament.

A final capital meeting that could allow the Tricolores to win the tournament after a long scarcity of 10 years.

This is a new episode in the long series that links Thomas to the XV of France.

Often criticized for his nonchalance or his jumps in concentration, the Racingman (27 years old, 20 caps) had reminded everyone of his undeniable qualities during the victory (38-21) in a friendly against Wales last Saturday.

Author of a decisive pass on Antoine Dupont's first try (31st), he scored a magnificent solo try after a kick over for himself (73rd) to complete the festival of the Blues.

Following the withdrawal of Teddy Thomas, the management called Matthieu Jalibert in the group selected to face Ireland, on the last day of the Six Nations Tournament.

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- France Rugby (@FranceRugby) October 27, 2020

To replace the winger, the French staff decided to call in reinforcement the young opening half Matthieu Jalibert, 21 years old.

The Union Bordeaux-Bègles player was part of the first list of 31 players, before being affected by the Covid-19 and being dismissed.

He had since resumed the path of the lawns and had returned at half-time on Sunday night when his club moved to La Rochelle (20-6 defeat).

The opener has already joined the Center National de Marcoussis.

He will be the second opening half of the Blues in support of Romain Ntamack.

In addition, the management of the Blues also announced in the press release that "following a suspicion of concussion resulting from the match France - Wales", the Montpellier back Anthony Bouthier "will make a gradual resumption of rugby this week, with a return to training hoped for at the end of the week ”.