Stade Rochelais centre Jonathan Danty faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing the cruciate ligament in his right knee. He is not expected back for several months, and could miss the bulk of the 2025-2026 season.

Unfortunately for La Rochelle, the season has already been overshadowed by a major absence: Jonathan Danty, an undisputed starter in the middle of the seaside club’s attack, suffered a serious right knee injury in the second round against Clermont. Medical tests confirmed a ruptured cruciate ligament, requiring surgery.

Aged 33 since 7 October and with 29 France caps to his name, Danty is entering another difficult phase of his career. He was already held back last season by a series of knee problems: an eight-week spell out at the start of the year, then a relapse which cost him another two and a half months. Under contract with La Rochelle until 2027, he was hoping to rediscover some consistency; he must now be looking at a recovery of around eight months.

For the La Rochelle staff and manager Ronan O’Gara, it is a bitter pill to swallow. The club lose one of their most experienced leaders and must rethink their options behind. Among the candidates to replace him, Jules Favre, Ulupano Seuteni, Simeli Daunivucu and Ihaia West have all been mentioned. La Rochelle are not short of solutions.