XV of France: Louis Bielle-Biarrey last minute withdrawal, replaced by Matthis Lebel to face Italy

Le jeune ailier manquera la rencontre contre l'Italie. MAXPPP – NICOLAS GOISQUE

L'ailier des Bleus Louis-Bielle Biarrey, victime d'un torticolis, a été contraint de déclarer forfait à la veille d'affronter l'Italie à Villeneuve-d'Ascq pour le compte de la 3e journée du Tournoi des six Nations, a annoncé samedi la Fédération française de rugby.

The young player from Bordeaux-Bègles (20 years old) is replaced in the starting XV by Toulouse winger Matthis Lebel, who was initially not selected in the group of 23.

Bielle-Biarrey's injury is "not serious", said the FFR. He had participated in the traditional captain's training at the start of the afternoon at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium. Substitute at the opening of the Tournament for the rout against Ireland (38-17), "LBB" had scored the decisive try at the end of the match in Scotland (20-16) two weeks ago, his sixth in nine selections.

Lebel titular

The tricolor frame, rather than aligning the usual center of UBB Yoram Moefana on the wing, as opposite Ireland, decided to replace him position for position by Lebel (24 years old, 5 caps), who had nevertheless been sent back with his club in the middle of the week.

Also read: XV of France: "We have to put things in order", says captain Charles Ollivon before playing Italy

The Toulouse winger has not played with the France team since November 2022 and a victory against Australia (30-29) in Marseille. Not selected for the last World Cup, he is currently going through a prosperous period, with seven tries in his last eight matches with Stade Toulouse.