Toulouse have received a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup opener against the Sharks, with several key players returning to training.
English flanker Jack Willis has recovered from the rib injury that kept him out of last weekend’s Top 14 victory over Racing 92 and is now available for selection. Willis picked up the knock against Montauban 10 days ago, but has been cleared to face the Durban-based outfit.
The reigning European champions have also welcomed back a host of French internationals following their post-autumn break. Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand, Dorian Aldegheri and Anthony Jelonch have all returned to training, while Alexandre Roumat has shaken off a recent neck problem and been declared fit.
MORE: Siya embarrassed by Sharks
However, Ugo Mola’s backline remains stretched. Top 14 leading try-scorer Matthis Lebel is a doubt after suffering a hand injury against Racing and is undergoing assessments to determine the severity of the knock. The winger has crossed eight times in the domestic competition this season.
Centres Santiago Chocobares and Pierre-Louis Barassi continue their concussion protocols and will require medical clearance before being considered for selection in the coming days.
ALSO: Bayonne boosted for Stormers showdown
Argentina prop Efrain Elias – on the receiving end of the hit that saw Racing hooker Jannick Tarrit sent off last weekend – has been diagnosed with bruising to the sternum but no serious damage, according to the club’s medical staff.
Francois Cros and Théo Ntamack remain sidelined with no confirmed return dates.
Toulouse, who sit top of the Top 14 table, will host a Sharks side that endured a dismal start to their Vodacom URC campaign, with their latest defeat coming against Connacht in Galway.
AFRICA PICKS: Investec Champions Cup – everything you need to know
Photo: Franco Arland/Getty Images
The post Toulouse heavyweights back for Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.