Slimani out, Toulon left with one tighthead

Three games, three defeats, and now a thin position. Toulon lose their international tighthead just as they are still chasing a first win.

Scans carried out after the trip to Castres confirmed the break. Slimani, 36, who joined this summer to strengthen the front row, faces several weeks out.

One specialist used so far

Over the first three rounds the Toulon number 3 shirt went to Kyle Sinckler at Bayonne and against La Rochelle, then to Slimani at Castres. Beka Gigashvili, who had surgery on a broken metatarsal in his left foot in early September, has not been in a single matchday squad. He started running again this week after a six to eight-week absence was announced.

The treatment room does not stop there. Judicael Cancoriet and Setariki Tuicuvu have rib problems, Rayan Rebbadj a collarbone issue, while Gabin Villiere, Gael Drean, Dany Priso, Marius Domon and Mathias Halagahu continue their rehabilitation.

Four points across three games

The table is harsh on Toulon, who sit 13th, but the scorelines are not: 27-26 at Bayonne, 20-21 against La Rochelle, 29-27 at Castres. Four points in total across three matches, two of the defeats by a single point.

The home game against Vannes on 26 September pits the only two Top 14 sides still without a win against each other. The Brittany club lost 54-19 on its only previous visit to Mayol, in September 2024.