Stade Français is grappling with a trio of injuries as they prepare to open their Investec Champions Cup campaign against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this coming Saturday. The casualties, sustained during their recent Top 14 victory against Montpellier, include hooker Lucas Peyresblanques, No. 8 Yoan Tanga, and centre Noah Nene.
During the clash, which ended 30-22 in favor of Stade Français, Peyresblanques endured the most severe injury, fracturing his fibula. The incident occurred as he was cleared out at a breakdown around the 64th minute. Following the match, the 27-year-old underwent surgery.
“It’s serious for Lucas,” said Stade Français coach Paul Gustard. “We risk losing him for five to six months.”
Meanwhile, Tanga's time on the field was cut short after only nine minutes due to a rib injury, and Nene exited the game in the 18th minute after injuring his right ankle in a tackle. While the timeline for Nene's return might be around two weeks, pending further evaluation, the full scope of Tanga's injury is still undetermined.
The last encounter between Stade Français and the Bulls in January 2025 saw the French team overwhelmed with a 48-7 loss in Pretoria, a result they are surely keen to improve upon despite their current injury woes.
