Ronan O'Gara: Bourgarit out of Six Nations

Like Munster, La Rochelle bounced back into Champions Cup contention at the weekend, but there was some bad news too for France

DOUBLE BLOW: La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara

La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara delivered a potential double injury blow to France boss Fabien Galthie days before Les Bleus’ first squad for the 2024 Six Nations is to be revealed. France's opening game is a mouth-watering Friday night clash in Marseille against Andy Farrell's Ireland.

Hooker Pierre Bourgarit and centre Jonathan Danty were both hurt in a physical 45-12 Champions Cup win over Leicester on Sunday.

O’Gara estimated Bourgarit will be sidelined for some time with a shoulder injury that saw him leave the Stade Marcel Deflandre pitch in obvious pain and distress early in the second half; while Danty was undergoing routine HIA assessments, after coming off less than 10 minutes later.

“Pierre is definitely seriously injured. I don’t know how many months he’ll be out, but I’d say three or four at least,” O’Gara told reporters. “We’re going to do everything we can to give him the opportunity to come back as soon as possible before the finals.

“Jonathan told me he wasn’t feeling well when he left the pitch, but he was much better in the dressing room after the match. He will undergo HIA2 protocols … the most important thing is the player’s health.” 

The news is a blow to Galthie’s Six Nations plans ahead of the first 34-player squad list announcement on Wednesday. Bourgarit, in particular, had been in impressive form on his return to club duties following the World Cup, and seemed a shoo-in alongside Julien Marchand and Peato Mauvaka.

Sunday’s win gave the champions a lifeline after defeats against Leinster and Stormers in the opening two rounds. They face Sale on Sunday in a winner-takes-all final pool match.

O’Gara has done the maths, and backed his players to complete knockout-phase qualification at Salford Stadium.

“The good thing about this group is that they understand the importance of timing,” he said, as La Rochelle extended their winning run to three matches, after just four wins in their opening 12 outings. “They’re an experienced group, and they know what they’re doing.

“We have the chance to play in the European finals if we get the job done on Sunday. I won’t accept going out of this competition with a bad match. This week is crucial for the club.”