Damian Penaud injury update emerges after Bordeaux star’s ‘tearful’ semi-final exit
Damian Penaud limps away from Sunday's semi-final in Bordeaux
First-time Champions Cup finalists Bordeaux have suggested that Damian Penaud has a fighting chance of making the May 24 decider versus Northampton – despite appearing to be seriously injured when exiting Sunday’s semi-final.
Penaud looked to be in agony when he limped out of the win over Toulouse, leaving the fray on 57 minutes to be replaced by Arthur Retiere with his team leading at the time by 25-18.
The winger’s premature departure didn’t hamper his team as they went on to win 35-18 and progress to the final in Cardiff against the Saints.
However, the chat in the immediate aftermath was that the French club would likely miss not having the services of Penaud available, not only for the Principality Stadium match but for the run-in to the Top 14 title race.
A day, though, can be a long time in rugby and the message now coming from Bordeaux is that Penaud potentially has a chance of making the Champions Cup final.
“The news is rather assuring…”
A report in L’Equipe read: “UBB’s victory against Toulouse on Sunday was marked by Damian Penaud’s tears after his team qualified for the Champions Cup final against Northampton.
“Coming off just before the hour mark, the Bordeaux winger suffered a left ankle injury and his participation in the final, scheduled for Cardiff, seemed compromised.
“But this Monday, the news is rather reassuring. As reported by Sud-Ouest and confirmed to L’Equipe, the first signs are positive. And optimism remains high on the Bordeaux side. However, we will have to wait until midweek or the weekend to get a more precise idea of how long Penaud will be out.
“Once his ankle swelling has gone down, the Bordeaux winger will be able to undergo medical tests. While there is little doubt that he will not play in the next two Top 14 matches (away to Montpellier and home to Castres), his participation in the final against the Saints cannot be ruled out.
“Like Toulouse’s Ange Capuozzo, who returned to competition after three weeks of absence, the Frenchman could be operational in Cardiff.”
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