Granell fibula injury, Labit points to the tackle

Perpignan lost two players inside half an hour on the night of their first home defeat of the season.

Jacobus van Tonder went first, in the 6th minute, replaced by José Madeira after landing badly from a lineout. Maxim Granell followed in the 28th, making way for Sevu Reece. Laurent Labit told L’Indépendant that van Tonder has a sprained ankle. On Granell, he pointed to the fibula and to the action that caused the injury.

A law in force the next day

The Perpignan manager was referring to the hip drop tackle, banned by World Rugby from November 1 through an addition to Law 9.13 on dangerous play, with a minimum sanction of a penalty. The game was played the day before it came into force. No disciplinary follow-up is known at this stage.

No timescale has been given for either player. Rugbyrama reported a right ankle injury for Granell, with no confirmed diagnosis.

Jacobus van Tonder has a sprained ankle, Maxim Granell, it’s the fibula… on a tackle that will be banned next week.

Laurent Labit | L'Indépendant

A wing in form

Rugbyrama wrote that the 21-year-old had been outstanding before going off. He has played four Top 14 games this season, scoring one try, after nine games and four tries in 2025-26.

Van Tonder was back after a late withdrawal against Toulouse on October 24. He has played four Top 14 games this season.

A try on the siren

Perpignan went ahead in the 77th through Théo Forner, after James Hall’s try in the 69th, but gave way to a final driving maul finished by Junior Kpoku in the 80th. The Toulon lock had been yellow-carded in the 66th. L’Indépendant counted five lost throws and 12 balls spilled by Perpignan.