Ange Capuozzo: Latest injury results in a tight turnaround for the Rugby World Cup

Jared Wright 19 Apr 2023 10:11 AM

Italy fullback Ange Capuozzo is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines, having just returned from injury for Toulouse.

Capuozzo will miss the Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster next week after being ruled out of the remainder of the season.

Same shoulder injury

The 23-year-old first injured his shoulder during the Six Nations clash with Ireland earlier this year. He injured the same shoulder on his return for Toulouse this weekend.

He started on the wing for Toulouse but managed to play just 13 minutes before being forced off the pitch.

L’Equipe states that Capuozzo will be sidelined for between 10 and 12 weeks.

The timeline means that he would return a month before the Rugby World Cup in France but that he would miss the remainder of Toulouse’s season.?

It’s a major blow for the side ahead of the clash with Leinster and their run into the Top 14 playoffs.

Toulouse head into the weekend’s action with a six-point buffer over La Rochelle at the top of the table.

Toulouse injury concerns

It is a further blow for Toulouse with France international Anthony Jelonch also out injured for the remainder of the season.

Ugo Mola’s side are also set to battle Leinster without the services of Arthur Retiere, who also sustained an injury in the clash.?

Retiere made the move from La Rochelle to Toulouse at the start of the season. He scored the match-winning try in the Champions Cup final last season victory over Leinster in the final.

There are also concerns over tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina and centre Sofiane Guitoune who are both struggling with calf issues.

The injuries to Retiere and Capuozzo during the match against Lyon forced a backline shuffle during the early stages of the match.

Dupont stars at flyhalf

Mola’s side were down 14-0 in the early stages. However, they fought back to claim a remarkable 36-31 victory with a makeshift backline.

Antoine Dupont came off the bench to fill in at flyhalf, with Romain Ntamack shifting into the centres. Meanwhile, Thomas Ramos slotted in on the wing with Melvyn Jaminet at fullback.

Unsurprisingly, Dupont shone at flyhalf, scoring a try and gaining over 50 metres and beating six defenders.