Ntamack set to miss Six Nations opener after kidney injury

France and Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack is expected to miss the opening matches of the Six Nations Championship after being sidelined with a kidney injury.

The 26-year-old has not played since Toulouse’s emphatic 60–14 Top 14 victory over La Rochelle on December 28, initially believed to be suffering from back pain. However, medical examinations have since revealed kidney damage sustained during that match, ruling him out of action for at least the first two weeks of the tournament. According to sources, Ntamack is targeting a possible return for France’s trip to Wales on February 15.

The injury represents a significant setback for France head coach Fabien Galthié, with Ntamack having established himself as a cornerstone of the national side in recent seasons. Since making his international debut in February 2019, the Toulouse playmaker has earned 43 caps and become a key figure in France’s tactical framework.

Ntamack was injured in a tackle during the match against La Rochelle but played on until the final whistle, experiencing pain around his ribs without immediately realising the seriousness of the issue. Post-match medical tests revealed kidney trauma accompanied by internal bleeding, requiring rest and close medical supervision, conditions incompatible with elite-level rugby.

Initially, his recovery period was estimated at around six weeks. Since then, Ntamack has been under the care of a specialist nephrologist and undergoes weekly medical imaging to monitor the healing process. While he remains pain-free in everyday life and continues to train without contact, the enforced absence has been a source of frustration for the fly-half.

France’s medical staff, working closely with Stade Toulousain, have opted for a cautious approach to eliminate any risk of complications. At club level, concerns remain measured, with Toulouse hopeful that the layoff will be limited, although no definitive return date has been set.

The priority for both club and country is clear: to allow Ntamack to make a full recovery without rushing his return, with the hope that he can rejoin the French squad later in the Six Nations at full fitness.