Injuries to Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Taofifenua Shake Up French Rugby Squad for 2025 Autumn Internationals
Injuries to star players Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Taofifenua force French rugby coach Fabien Galthié to call up replacements ahead of the 2025 autumn internationals.
- • Matthieu Jalibert suffered a thigh injury in a Top 14 match and will miss the autumn internationals.
- • Romain Taofifenua is also sidelined due to injury, affecting the national squad.
- • Coach Fabien Galthié called up Ugo Seunes and Baptiste Pesenti as replacements.
- • The injuries add uncertainty to France's squad ahead of matches against South Africa, Fiji, and Australia.
Key details
Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Taofifenua, two key players slated for the upcoming XV de France autumn internationals, have been declared unfit to participate due to injuries. Jalibert, who plays fly-half for Bordeaux-Bègles, sustained a thigh injury during a Top 14 match against Bayonne, which Bordeaux won 41-12. The injury occurred late in the match and left Jalibert visibly distressed, clutching his thigh. He expressed worry about his fitness for the international fixtures, stating he had experienced long-standing thigh issues and felt the injury was "not very positive." Bordeaux-Bègles manager Yannick Bru remains hopeful the injury is not serious and highlighted Jalibert’s dedication and physical transformation ahead of the season.
Alongside Jalibert, Romain Taofifenua is also sidelined due to injury, affecting the depth of the national squad ahead of their autumn tour where France will face South Africa, Fiji, and Australia. Coach Fabien Galthié responded by calling up replacements Ugo Seunes and Baptiste Pesenti. Seunes, from Racing 92, has been impressive this season, notably scoring fifteen points in a recent match. Pesenti, from Stade Français, brings prior international experience with six caps, having played in the Autumn Nations Cup and tours in Australia and Argentina.
These developments come as the French team prepares for crucial matches, adding uncertainty to their lineup. Bordeaux-Bègles currently holds the third place in the Top 14 standings, underscoring the importance of Jalibert’s contributions when fit. The situation highlights challenges for the French coaching staff in assembling a competitive squad amid injury setbacks. The French Rugby Federation confirmed the official absences on October 26, marking a significant update in team preparations.
Coach Galthié’s swift call-ups aim to balance the squad’s strength despite the absence of these influential players, with Seunes and Pesenti expected to fill the void left by Jalibert and Taofifenua respectively. The autumn internationals are critical fixtures for the XV de France, adding pressure on the squad to adapt quickly to these last-minute changes.