The casualty list keeps growing in the Clermont ranks. ASM announced on Friday the injury of centre Pierre Fouyssac, who has hurt an Achilles tendon. He will be out for several weeks. Bad news, given that the Auvergne side are already without the powerful George Moala (biceps), new Fijian signing Alivereti Loaloa (knee sprain) and the versatile Lucas Tauzin (adductors).

There is good news, though: Irae Simone, who recently injured his hamstring, is back and will be able to slot in at centre, most likely alongside Léon Darricarrère. Should further problems arise, New Zealand fly-half Harry Plummer or Australian full-back Alex Newsome can fill in.

On top of Ratuva and Lanen, Clermont also listed the injuries of wing Yerim Fall (foot pain) and full-back Kylan Hamdaoui (discomfort in a thigh), both hurt in the last match against Racing 92. Nothing but bad news…