Sipili Falatea suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, meaning the tighthead prop will be sidelined for the whole Six Nations tournament, according to France head coach Fabien Galthie.
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.
declined in the hierarchy
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.
In addition to missing France’s July fixtures, he will need surgery after sustaining the injury during training.
An anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee has claimed the player’s life, according to a statement issued by his club, Bordeaux-Begles. We hope he has the best possible outcome and heals quickly!
Return of Atonio
Thankfully, Galthie can still rely on Atonio, his starting tighthead of the last three years, despite Falatea’s injury.
Following his conversation with Les Bleus’ head coach, the 33-year-old decided to change his mind about retiring after the World Cup.
They would have been short in their already vulnerable position if Falatea and him had both been out.
But as the Six Nations looks to rebound from their World Cup disappointment, the head coach of France will surely bring in a few fresh faces.
The eventual champions, South Africa, defeated them in the quarterfinals and went on to win the title with a 12-11 triumph over the All Blacks.
