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PARIS - French rugby officials have postponed until August 31 a final decision on whether prop Sylvain Marconnet can play at the World Cup.
The 31-year-old, France's most capped prop with 71 international appearances, is struggling to recover from an operation on his left shinbone following a skiing accident in March.
"Sylvain had a series of medical checks which showed that the calcification of his left leg was still developing," France team officer Lionel Rossigneux said today.
"It has been decided to grant him a new extension until August 31 after a new series of tests."
Despite his injury, the Stade Francais player has been named in France's 30-man World Cup squad.
Perpignan's Nicolas Mas has, however, been called to the training camp and will replace him if he is ruled unfit.
France, who host the World Cup, play Argentina in the opening game in Paris on September 7.
- REUTERS
