France winger Huget ruled out of World Cup

France winger Yoann Huget has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after injuring
his knee in his country’s opening match against Italy.

Huget had to be helped from the field against Italy and was seen sobbing on
the bench during the match which was won 32-10 by France.

His place in the France squad has been taken by Castres wing Remy Grosso and
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre said Huget had a bad ligament injury.

“A big thought for Yoann Huget, a model player in terms of his commitment,
great guy. We’re all with you, (have a) good recovery,” the coach wrote
on Twitter.

The 28-year-old Toulouse star Huget was pulled out of the France squad before
the last World Cup in New Zealand in 2011 after missing three doping tests,
for which he was handed a three-month suspension.

France later named the powerful Grosso as a surprise replacement, when many
thought the experienced Maxime Medard, a Toulouse team-mate of Huget and a veteran
of 41 Test, would get the nod.

Huget went off after 56 minutes of Saturday’s match at Twickenham, the first
game of the tournament for the two Six Nations rivals, who are in Pool D alongside
Ireland, Canada and Romania.

Huget was running down the wing with ball in hand when he pushed off his right
leg to cut inside a defender, only to collapse to the ground, wincing in pain.

He was seen holding his face in his hands before being helped from the field
by two members of the French medical staff.

He could then be seen crying as he sat on the bench beside the pitch, while
being consoled by various people, including French federation official Serge
Blanco, a former France international full-back.

Huget, who has played 41 times for France, was in full preparation for the
World Cup four years ago when he was kicked out of the squad after missing a
third doping test.

He made his debut for France in 2010 and has scored seven tries for his country.