France and Toulouse hooker Peato Mauvaka has been dominated out of Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final and “a number of months” with a knee damage, his membership have confirmed.
In line with a report from Actu’ Stade Toulousain on X, the 28-year-old ruptured his cruciate ligaments on Tuesday throughout Toulouse’s preparations to tackle Top 14 rivals Bordeaux-Begles on the Matmut Atlantique of their bid to defend their title.
A ruptured ACL wouldn’t solely rule the hooker out for the remainder of the present season – the place the High 14 leaders search to retain the Bouclier de Brennus as properly – however may imply Saturday’s 52-6 dismantling of Castres was the final time he’ll function in 2025.
Toulouse shared this assertion on social media on Wednesday: “Peato Mauvaka might be sidelined for a number of months following a knee damage sustained throughout coaching yesterday.
“The entire membership is behind you and helps you on this ordeal, as it is going to do all through your restoration Peato.”
🚨 D’après mes informations Peato Mauvaka souffrirait d’une rupture des ligaments croisés.
Un nouveau gros coup dur pour l’effectif. https://t.co/j6VSGS0eP0 pic.twitter.com/3xnNSD96y0
— ACTU’ STADE TOULOUSAIN (@actu_stade) April 30, 2025
Whereas France had been anticipated to take a weakened squad to New Zealand for his or her three-match collection with the All Blacks in July, it will however disrupt Fabien Galthie’s plans, significantly with the world champions South Africa, Fiji and Australia visiting on the finish of the 12 months.
Thankfully for Toulouse and France, Julien Marchand is a helpful substitute to should fill the No.2 jersey in Mauvaka’s absence.
The six-time European champions are already with out their talisman Antoine Dupont, who additionally suffered a cruciate ligament damage in the course of the Guinness Six Nations, and can now should battle on with out one other world-class star.
Bordeaux already have the higher of Toulouse twice this season within the High 14. Whereas Dupont missed each of these encounters and Mauvaka solely featured from the bench in a single, Ugo Mola would have anticipated to have his superstars again for any crunch fixtures later within the season.
