According to information from L’Équipe, Gabin Villière, the RCT and France wing, will be unavailable for France’s autumn tour. His club, Rugby club toulonnais, confirmed it at the weekend around the match between RCT and La Rochelle, which was ultimately postponed because of the weather. Suffering from a groin problem requiring surgery, Villière will not be able to represent France in the tests scheduled in November against South Africa, Fiji and Australia (on 8, 15 and 22 November).

The 29-year-old (20 caps) had taken part in two of the three tests played by France in New Zealand this summer. A finger injury had forced him to withdraw from the third and last of those summer tests. Villière was due to return to action in the coming days, but the complication of his groin problem will keep the wing off the pitch for several weeks.

His absence is a blow for Fabien Galthié but also for Toulon, who lose one of their most dynamic players and, above all, a senior figure in their dressing room. Villière, renowned for his defensive workrate and his ability to break the line, should return to action with his club during November, but will not be available for France’s tests.