French rugby capt in doubt to play England

Aug 7, 2015 - 9:18 AM France captain Thierry Dusautoir is a major doubt for next weekend's Rugby World Cup warm-up against England due to a knee injury, team management revealed on Friday.

Dusautoir, 33, is suffering severe knee bruising from training on Wednesday and is due to rest until the beginning of next week.

France are unlikely to risk him against the World Cup hosts at Twickenham on August 15, but he should be available for selection a week later when the same two sides meet at the Stade de France.

The World Cup begins on September 18 with the final on October 31 at Twickenham.

Meanwhile, 25 members of the France squad underwent drug testing at their training base in Marcoussis on Friday.

It was the second time the team was tested by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD).

Doping in French rugby has been receiving plenty of headlines recently due to allegations of systematic drug use made by former players and a team doctor, Jacques Mombet, in a book published by investigative journalist Pierre Ballester.

Source: AAP