France suffered bad news last night ahead of the sixth Rugby World Cup as it was announced that Sylvain Marconnet, their vastly experienced prop forward, was ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Last March Marconnet fractured his tibia skiing and his recovery was further hampered when he damaged his left ankle. Although the player remained confident that he would be fit in time for the Rugby World Cup on home soil, the verdict was cast on Monday and he was omitted from France's squad.
In a statement, the FFR said that "following close examination of test results taken last week, Dr Landreau (the operating surgeon) took the decision to reoperate on Sylvain.." That operation was due to take place on Tuesday 21 August.
Mas lined up as ready replacement
Born in Givors in 1976 and having ammassed 71 caps for France, Stade Francais regular Marconnet will be sorely missed.
While hopeful of a return to action in October, his absence should pave the way for the inclusion of Nicolas Mas, who joined the French squad as cover a number of weeks ago.
The 27 year old has played all of his club rugby for Perpignan and made his France debut against the All Blacks in June 2003.
Mas so far has nine caps to his name, the last coming in this year's Six Nations in February.
