French wing out for season

France international Gabriel Lacroix will miss the rest of La Rochelle's bid for the Top 14 title with a shin fracture, the second-placed side announced on Thursday.

The 24-year-old wing has been ruled out of action for six to seven months after the injury incurred against Ulster in a Champions Cup game in Belfast last week.

La Rochelle have never won the Top 14 but are currently second, level on points with Racing and a single point behind leaders Montpellier.

Agence France-Presse