France’s Rugby Team Faces Injury Concerns as They Triumph Over Italy in Six Nations

The French national rugby team secured a 33-8 victory against Italy in their Six Nations match on Sunday, February 22, 2026, but the win was tempered by injury concerns for key players. Prop Jean-Baptiste Gros was forced to leave the game with a calf injury, and uncertainty surrounds his availability for the upcoming match against Scotland.

Gros Exits Match with Calf Injury

Jean-Baptiste Gros, a Toulonnais player, was substituted in the 38th minute after sustaining a calf injury during the match against Italy. Rodrigue Neti replaced him, but Neti faced challenges in the scrum, being penalized early in his appearance (39th minute). Quinze Mondial reports that Gros will undergo further examination to determine the severity of the injury and his potential recovery time.

Additional Injury Concerns

This injury comes after Matthieu Jalibert was previously ruled out of the Italy match due to a similar issue – a calf injury. The recurring nature of calf injuries within the team is raising concerns for the coaching staff.

Match Overview and Player Performances

Despite the injuries, France demonstrated a strong performance against Italy. Gros had delivered a solid match before his injury, performing well in scrums and tackles. He received a score of 6 from rugby specialists. Marchand, the hooker, likewise contributed with 7 tackles but was later replaced by Mauvaka. Aldegheri, while active in tackling (8 tackles, no misses), received a score of 4.5 and was penalized for poor support in a ruck and premature entry into a scrum, leading to frustration and eventual substitution.

Looking Ahead

The French team will need to assess the extent of Gros’s injury and prepare for their next challenge against Scotland. Fabien Galthié, the team’s selector, announced the composition of the XV de France on Friday, but may need to adjust the lineup depending on player recovery. France Bleu reports on the team composition.

Recent Squad Adjustments

Recent team selections have seen a reduction in the number of players from Toulon, with only Jean-Baptiste Gros and Esteban Abadie currently representing the club in the national squad. This shift in strategy, as noted by Morning Sport, appears to prioritize player availability and the return of key players.