Place-kicker Leigh Halfpenny is Toulon's major injury concern ahead of Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster in Marseilles on Sunday.
Halfpenny damaged his right shoulder when hit by Grenoble flanker Peter Kimlin during Toulon’s 35-24 victory last Saturday – his first match since sustaining concussion on March 21st against Italy in the Six Nations
The 26-year-old fullback had surgery on the same shoulder last summer.
Steffon Armitage is another doubt. The English flanker came off the bench against Grenoble but failed to finish the game.
Armitage would most likely be replaced in the star-studded backrow by South Africa's 2007 World Cup winner Juan Smith.
Coaching ticket
Toulon
dominated the rugby headlines in France yesterday with talk of
Quade Cooper
being their next big signing, along with confirmation that a new coaching ticket will be needed next season.
Pierre Mignoni is to take over as Lyon head coach following news that forwards coach Olivier Azam is joining Oyonnax as sporting director.
Leinster coach Matt O’Connor will provide updates on the condition of concussed duo Fergus McFadden and Shane Jennings, along with Wallaby lock Kane Douglas (hamstring), at lunch time today.
Jennings, who will retire this summer, sustained a blow during Leinster’s 25-22 defeat to Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday.
The defeat almost certainly rules Leinster out of the Pro12 play-offs, leaving Europe as the only avenue for silverware.
“It’s a massive game and it definitely helps that it is in Marseilles,” said O’Connor. “Very few teams win at Félix Mayol, so the fact we’re playing in Marseilles offers a little comfort for us, but they still have one hell of a side. It’s the biggest test we could face in European rugby but they have to earn it.
“We have to make sure we’re as good as we can be to make it as difficult as possible, be in the tie for as long as possible and make a contest of it.”
Wayne Barnes has been confirmed as referee, with Nigel Owens and Greg Garner as his assistants. Ireland's George Clancy will run the other semi-final between ASM Clermont and Saracens on Saturday.
Fantastic job
Meanwhile, Dan McFarland will be the Glasgow Warriors new forwards coach next season. “Dan has done a fantastic job at Connacht over the last nine years and is a high-quality technical coach,” said Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend.
“He has an excellent reputation and we believe that he will play a key role in helping to develop a number of our younger players, which he has done really well at Connacht. It’s great news that he’s joining us and I’m sure he will be an excellent addition to our coaching team next season.”
Connacht have yet to announce McFarland’s replacement.
