Scan boost for Picamoles

France back-row Louis Picamoles was given a boost as his hip injury isn't as serious as first thought, meaning he may play in November.

France number eight Louis Picamoles was given a lift as his hip injury is not as serious as first thought, meaning he could feature during November.

The Toulouse forward had to go off in the ninth minute of Saturday's Top 14 clash with Toulon, raising fears he had suffered the same injury he did on the tour of New Zealand in June.

However, Picamoles, who has been replaced for this week's training camp by Castres number eight Antonie Claassen, explained that scans had revealed nothing more serious than bruising.

“I am not fit enough to go to the training session because it is too painful to train,” said Picamoles.

“However, there was nothing in the scans, just bruising.

“I am going to above all try to get fit for the Top 14 match with Brive (November 2) and then hopefully for the Tests.”