France fly-half Romain Ntamack has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in a major blow for the tournament hosts.
The French Rugby Federation confirmed that the 24-year-old suffered a serious knee injury during Les Blues’ warm-up victory over Scotland on Saturday.
“Romain Ntamack was hit in the left knee and had to leave the field,” the Federation said.
“Imaging performed this morning diagnosed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Consequently, Romain Ntamack will be forfeited for the World Cup.”
Ntamack, one of the most naturally-talented number 10s in world rugby, has been a key figure during Les Bleus’ revival under head coach Fabien Galthie.
His half-back partnership with France captain Antoine Dupont was central to their World Cup campaign and they were a pivotal pairing in last season’s Six Nations Grand Slam success.
Prop Cyril Baille, meanwhile, suffered a calf muscle injury in the Scotland game and will be sidelined for five to six weeks.
