Sadly,France lose talented forward for the Six Nations after serious injury

France head coach Fabien Galthie will be without Sipili Falatea for the entirety of the Six Nations after the tighthead prop ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

After making his debut for the national team in 2021, the 26-year-old has grown to be an important member of the group.

Falatea, who served as Uini Atonio’s backup during the Six Nations, would have pushed to be included in the tournament on matchday 23 this year.

Dropped down the pecking order

Galthie would have sought to nurture the talented tighthead over the next four-year cycle, even though he fell behind Dorian Aldegheri, who was considered to be the superior scrummager, for the Rugby World Cup.

Due to this terrible injury, which will keep him out of action for at least the remainder of the campaign, it has now been postponed.

After getting injured during practice, he will need surgery and probably won’t be able to play for France in July.

The statement issued by Bordeaux-Begles, his club, stated: “Our international prop is the victim of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee. We hope he has a quick recovery and good fortune!”

Return of Atonio

Fortunately, Galthie has had Atonio, his starting tighthead of the past few years, available to him despite Falatea’s injuries.

After speaking with Les Bleus’ head coach, the 33-year-old changed his mind about retiring after the World Cup.

They would have been deficient in what was already their weakest position if he and Falatea had both been absent.

However, as the French national team looks to bounce back from their World Cup setback, the head coach will surely bring in some fresh faces for the Six Nations.

They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual winners South Africa, who defeated the All Blacks 12-11 to win the title.