/ 22 September 2003

French star back may miss World Cup

France utility back Xavier Garbajosa is doubtful for the Rugby World Cup with a suspected torn thigh muscle.

The French coaching staff said the 26-year-old, switched from outside centre to right wing this season, would undergo a scan to assess the extent of the injury.

Montferrand’s David Bory and Stade Toulousain wing Vincent Clerc were put on stand-by.

The French squad flies out to Brisbane on September 29 for the October 10 to November 22 festival of rugby Down Under.

France open their World Cup campaign against Fiji at Brisbane on October 11. – Sapa-AFP