Noah Nene to undergo foot surgery

French rugby player Noah Nene, a center for Stade Français, will undergo foot surgery and be absent from play for between six and eight weeks, according to L'Equipe. Nene, who will turn 22 on Wednesday, had been suffering from foot issues for some time and decided to move up the operation in agreement with the Paris club's staff.

Injury occurred during banned tackle

Nene had injured his ankle last weekend during a rotating tackle, an action that will be banned by World Rugby starting November 1 and will be subject to a sanction in the form of a penalty during the victory against Montpellier on Saturday. This type of tackle involves a player rotating their body to make contact, which is considered dangerous and is now being restricted in professional rugby.

Nene's absence impacts key matches

The surgery will keep Nene out of the field for six to eight weeks, meaning he will miss at least the match against the Bulls in the Champions Cup, as well as Top 14 matches against Castres, La Rochelle, and Toulon, or those against Vannes and Pau if his absence reaches eight weeks. This absence also means he will miss the second part of the Nations Championship, where the French team will face Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina in November.

Nene's debut with French team

Nene had made his first selection with the French team in February last year during the Six Nations Tournament, where he replaced Emilien Gailleton at the 67th minute. His inclusion marked a significant step in his career, showing the potential of the young player on the international stage.

Multiple injuries affecting Stade Français

This absence adds to that of Lucas Peyresblanques, who suffered a shin fracture and will not be back until January or February 2027, as well as Tawera Kerr-Barlow (ankle), Julien Delbouis (concussion), and Yoan Tanga (ribs). Stade Français is currently sixth in the standings, with three wins and three losses, highlighting the challenges the team faces with multiple key players injured.