Szarzewski's season is over

Editor

France will be without Racing Métro hooker Dimitri Szarzewski for their tour to Australia following an operation on his ankle.

France will be without Racing Métro hooker Dimitri Szarzewski for their tour to Australia following an operation on his ankle.

The 31-year-old hooker underwent successful surgery on Monday and will be out for three months.

The news is a blow for Racing given their playoff ambitions but also for France coach Philippe Saint-André.

France were down to their third hooker in Brice Mach during the Six Nations when both Benjamin Kayser and Szarzewski were out injured, with their lineout falling apart against Scotland.

Kayser, Mach and Guilhem Guirado will be the likely options selected for the tour.

Szarzewski brings huge experience to the front row with 79 caps having made his debut back in 2004.

“The operation went very well. Thank you all for your messages of support and encouragement #droitaucoeur,” tweeted Szarzewski on Tuesday.