International scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, suffering a concussion, was forced to come off at the start of Racing 92’s match against Clermont on Saturday for the 20th day of the Top 14. The 21-year-old had had time to be decisive with a superb pass after contact for the lightning try of his teammate Henry Arundell in the 27th second of play. Le Garrec’s head hit heavily on the artificial pitch of the Arena following a tackle from Clermont winger Yérim Fall on this action.
The Breton immediately gave up his place to Tristan Tedder and did not return to the field. He then appeared in the stands, with an ice pack on his head, from where he watched his teammates’ victory (26-10). The scrum half was in excellent spirits after having made his first selections for the French team during the Six Nations Tournament.
“I don’t have a lot of news,” Ciel et Blanc coach Stuart Lancaster said after the match. “Nolann will follow the protocol put in place. We are eight days away from the match against Toulouse (in the Champions Cup round of 16) and we will see how it goes.” His partner in the hinge Antoine Gibert left injured in the 56th minute. Visibly injured in the right ankle, he watched the end of the match with tears in his eyes on the edge of the field.
Also read: XV of France: Nolann Le Garrec, the heir of Antoine Dupont
Asked about it, Stuart Lancaster replied that he “could not comment yet”. “But if necessary, we will try to look for solutions with Clovis Le Bail or Max Spring.” As for hooker Camille Chat, “touched in the hamstrings” in training according to Lancaster, he had to give up his place at the last minute to Peniami Narisia.