Marconnet out of Cup

FRANCE prop Sylvain Marconnet has been ruled out of the World Cup.

Nicolas Mas has been called up as a replacement for 31-year-old Marconnet, who will not recover from an ankle injury in time to feature in the tournament.

Marconnet did not hide his dismay at missing out on playing in the World Cup on home soil.

He said: “I am obviously very disappointed to not play in this World Cup in France and to leave my team-mates in the French team.

“I thank the sporting and medical staff of Les Bleus for having supported me in my bid to be fit for the competition.

“But I have to follow the medical advice of my surgeon and have an operation quickly so I can be back again with my club, Stade Francais.”

Marconnet sustained a broken tibia in March while skiing with his daughter.

The veteran of 71 caps then underwent an operation and was given an initial diagnosis of six months out.

In July he was able to jog again but started to feel pain again in mid-August. The door now opens for Perpignan player Mas to take his place in the squad.