LOU back-rower Mickaël Guillard has been forced to withdraw from the rest of France’s autumn tour. Injured in the shoulder during the defeat to South Africa, he faces an estimated four to six weeks on the sidelines.

Starting at number 8 in France’s defeat to the Springboks (17-32) on Saturday evening at the Stade de France, Mickaël Guillard (24, 13 caps) hurt a shoulder that had already required treatment in the past.

Left on the ground in the first half after a collision, the player was eventually able to finish the game, but the scans carried out since have revealed an injury that brings his Autumn Nations Series to a premature end. The France staff reacted quickly by announcing the recall of Pierre Bochaton (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) to the 42-man squad to cover the absence.

Alldritt to return?

The withdrawal is another blow for France, already facing uncertainty over Thibaud Flament (thigh) and the long-term absence of François Cros (knee surgery). Guillard being out for an estimated four to six weeks, according to the first reports, affects not only France but also his club, LOU Rugby, for the coming rounds of Top 14 and the start of the European Cup.

The France staff must now put together a competitive back row for the second test against Fiji, on Saturday in Bordeaux. The return of Grégory Alldritt at number 8 looks an increasingly likely option.