France rugby squad injury: Paul Boudehent replaced by Paul Gabrillagues, Digi Mart USA News: France’s rugby team has suffered another setback ahead of its autumn test against South Africa. Paul Boudehent, 26, was injured in his calf while starting against Fiji on Saturday evening.
The La Rochelle back-row forward has been ruled out of the second Les Bleus match of the autumn against the Springboks. According to the report, he is not expected to return before the end of the Nations Championship, which adds to the injury problems following the serious injury to Romain Ntamack.
Boudehent had made a strong start to the season with La Rochelle and was expected to play a key role in November. His physical density and ability to repeat efforts would have been valuable against the Springboks.
To replace him in the squad, head coach Fabien Gathié has called up Paul Gabrillagues, captain of Stade Français for many seasons. The 33-year-old second-row forward will join the group at Marcoussis this week.
Gabrillagues has 18 caps for France, with his most recent appearance dating back to February 10, 2024, in Scotland. This season, he has played in every Top 14 match, making nine appearances, eight of them as a starter.
