France captain Charles Ollivon has vowed to come back stronger after suffering a serious knee injury that will keep him sidelined for several months.
The back-rower suffered the injury while in action for club side Toulon at the weekend, with further medical tests revealing a torn cruciate ligament.
He will undergo an operation on the injury but will miss France’s summer tour and likely be out of action for about six months.
While he is obviously disappointed, the 28-year-old kept some perspective on the setback, tweeting that he will come back.
He said: “Injuries are part of a career. I was so happy to be back playing in front of fans. I will rehab this cruciate ligament tear as I have to, take the necessary time to be ready for the big matches that are coming and do everything I can to come back even stronger.”
France coach Fabien Galthié tweeted his support for his skipper, adding: “Charles’ injury saddens me. I am sure however, knowing his exceptional strength of character, that we will see him back at his best soon. Charles, we are with you all the way.”
Ollivon will now miss France’s tour of Australia this summer, meaning that Galthié will have to select a new captain.
France will also be without players from the finalists of the Top 14 this summer, due to the quarantine rules Down Under.
Les Bleus are set to name their squad for the tour on June 20 following the Top 14 semi-finals.
