His tall and imposing figure emerged from the building dedicated to the XV of France following the Blues, on their way to their afternoon training on the main ground of Marcoussis. Three-time Olympic handball champion Nikola Karabatic was invited by French coach Fabien Galthié and his staff to share the daily life of Antoine Dupont and his partners on Tuesday, four days before the trip to England on Saturday in the Six Nations Tournament.
The PSG Handball center half had lunch with the Blues before then watching their session from the edge of the lawn. In the evening, he must speak in front of the group as part of a moment of exchange between players and personalities that the French management likes. Actor Jean Dujardin, singer Francis Cabrel and sailor Thomas Coville preceded the legend of French handball. This year, surfer Jérémy Florès came to share his experience during the Capbreton course in the Landes before the start of the Tournament.
The composition of the Blues known Thursday
Nikola Karabatic has not played since the end of January and the World Cup final lost against Denmark (34-29) with the Blues. Suffering from phlebitis, the 38-year-old player is currently on forced rest. “Nikola Karabatic will have to undergo treatment with anticoagulants. This treatment is not compatible with a high-level contact sport, the Parisian number 44 will be absent for at least three months, ”said PSG in February.
The handball player was able to attend a confusing session, where the staff had scrambled the cards during the 20 minutes open to the press. Uini prop Atonio, suspended for Saturday’s Crunch, was among the substitutes. Holders since the start of the Tournament, the third line Grégory Alldritt and the pillar Cyril Baille were among the reservists.
Wednesday’s training, open in full, should give real indications of the team that Galthié is lining up to seek the first French victory in England in the Tournament since 2005. The team composition will be revealed Thursday noon, the day when the Blues will pack their bags for London.