RC Vannes faces injury setbacks after victory over Connacht

RC Vannes secured a 36-35 victory against Connacht Rugby in a pre-season fixture at Stade de la Rabine. However, the match resulted in physical setbacks for the French club ahead of their return to the Top 14.

Scrum-half Pierre Popelin has been ruled out of the opening Top 14 match against Castres due to an Achilles tendon injury. Additionally, Marin Boulier was forced to leave the pitch after experiencing back pain. The extent of Boulier's injury remains uncertain.

For Connacht, the match served as the first competitive look at Stuart Lancaster’s squad, featuring the return of Mack Hansen and Byron Ralston following injury layoffs.