France have suffered yet another big blow after it was confirmed that lock Paul Willemse was forced to withdraw from the World Cup due to injury.
It is another big setback for the tournament hosts, a week before the World Cup opener against New Zealand in Paris.
France are already without first-choice flyhalf Romain Ntamack, who suffered a knee ligament injury in the World Cup warm-ups. Ntamack has been followed by loosehead prop Cyrille Baille and centre Jonathan Danty on the crocked list.
In the most recent blow, France confirmed on Friday that South African-born lock Paul Willemse suffered a thigh injury in training and has withdrawn from the World Cup squad.
According to RMC Sport, Willemse suffered the injury while following a training programme given to France’s players during a break before the tournament.
He reportedly re-injured the same thigh which has been giving him trouble over recent seasons and forced him to miss the November internationals last year.
Willemse will be closely monitored in camp and has been placed on the standby list. His place in the squad has been taken by Montpellier clubmate Bastien Chalureau.
Photo: Twitter: @PaulWillemse4
