Romain Ntamack opens up on 'twist of fate' World Cup-ending injury

Romain Ntamack should have been assembling later this week at Rueil-Malmaison, the Ile-de-France base camp for Fabien Galthie’s French team who are looking to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, instead of preparing for the September 8 tournament opener versus the All Blacks at Stade de France, the out-half is preparing to have his ruptured ACL operated on.

It was August 12, in a Summer Nations Series match versus Scotland in Saint-Etienne, when the world caved in for Ntamack. He got injured and learned a couple of days later following scans that his dream of chasing Rugby World Cup 2023 glory was over.

However, rather than mourn his loss in private, Ntamack attended last Sunday’s Top 14 win for Toulouse over Montpellier and did a TV interview with Canal+ in which he explained how he was coping with the injury, revealing when it will be operated on and when he hopes to eventually get back playing.

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“It’s going pretty well. I spent two simple weeks. Let’s say, I spent some holidays with my family and loved ones. They made me move on. Of course, I kept in touch with the friends of the XV of France and I am also very happy with their victory (versus Australia).

“I’m going to have surgery this Thursday so I can’t wait to start my own World Cup and get back on the pitch as soon as possible, without going too fast to avoid a relapse.

“There is always more serious, it remains only rugby. I’m lucky to be quite young and maybe be able to play another World Cup if I give myself the means, but it’s frustrating. I had given myself the means to participate and start on September 8. I was blessed in the final of the Top 14 two months ago, and today a twist of fate fell on me.

“I’m taking this injury to rest mentally and physically. It’s been a very long time since I cut. I will take all the positives to help my teammates at Stade Toulousain.

“I hope France go as far as they can. I have been watching all the games. I try to take a step back as much as possible so as not to feel sorry for myself. I will take as long as it takes but I will come back. It’s just one knee, I still have a long way to go.”