Stade Toulousain and the XV of France have suffered a significant setback with the loss of a key player, Cyril Baille, due to a serious injury. The incident occurred during the Top 14 semi-final against La Rochelle, which Toulouse won 39-23. Baille, 30, had to be stretchered off the field to the applause of the public after several minutes of stoppage in play, raising immediate concerns about the severity of his injury.
During the post-match press conference, Toulouse's coach Ugo Mola announced that Baille's season was over and that he would miss the final. The full extent of the injury was later confirmed by Baille himself on social media: a rupture of the ankle ligaments and a fractured fibula. The French international, who has 50 caps, stated that he would undergo surgery on Monday.
Baille's injury is a significant blow not only for Stade Toulousain but also for the French national team. Although he was not part of the squad selected by Fabien Galthié for the upcoming summer tour in South America, his absence will be felt in the early part of the next season. Baille, a key player in the last World Cup, is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, although the exact duration of his recovery is still uncertain.
- Cyril Baille's injury occurred in the 49th minute of the semi-final match against Stade Rochelais. The incident left him writhing in pain on the ground, leading to an immediate halt in play and medical attention.
- Late Friday night, Baille took to Instagram to share the grim news with his followers, confirming the initial fears about the severity of his injury. The ruptured ligament and fractured fibula will require surgery, and the timeline for his return to the field remains unclear.
