Nicolas Depoortere set to return to Union Bordeaux-Bègles

French international center Nicolas Depoortere is set to return to competitive rugby with his club, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, following a lengthy injury layoff. Depoortere had been sidelined since January 24 after suffering a right shoulder dislocation during the Six Nations tournament, which required surgery.

The player described the three-month rehabilitation period as a frustrating experience due to the isolation from his teammates. While he had hoped to return during the Top 14 playoffs, his club's lack of qualification delayed his comeback.

Depoortere was able to regain match fitness through recent international duty with the French national team, participating in friendly matches against England and New Zealand. He expressed gratitude to the national staff for the opportunity to ‘restart the machine’ before focusing on the upcoming season, starting with a match against Racing 9.