Stade Toulousain trained on Monday with a strengthened squad: England back-rower Jack Willis, recovered from a blow to the ribs sustained around ten days ago, has rejoined the group. Absent against Racing 92 in the Top 14, he is now available for the visit of Durban.

Alongside him, several France internationals including Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri, Thibaud Flament and Anthony Jelonch have also returned after their week off following the autumn tour. Even Alexandre Roumat, previously sidelined with a neck injury, has been declared fit to play again.

The back line, on the other hand, remains weakened: star wing Matthis Lebel, the Top 14’s leading try scorer with eight, is nursing a hand problem. Centres Santiago Chocobares and Pierre‑Louis Barassi, still in concussion protocol, are waiting on medical clearance to find out whether they can play again soon. That is without counting the end of Pita Ahki’s Toulouse adventure. Romain Ntamack should nevertheless start again, as should Antoine Dupont, the world’s best player having made his return to competition last weekend against Racing 92.