Injury jinx hits French rugby player Vermeulen again

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

PARIS (AFP) — Injury-prone French backrow forward Elvis Vermeulen was ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations on Tuesday because of a broken rib.

The 28-year-old nine-times capped Clermont star - who missed the World Cup because of a herniated disc injury - has been replaced by the uncapped No 8 Louis Picamoles of Montpellier.

Vermeulen suffered a blow to his thorax during Sunday's 27-6 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, but initially declared himself fit for next Saturday's clash with Ireland at the Stade de France.

However, after training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday he pulled up with sore ribs and the immediate diagnosis was that he would be out for between four to six weeks.

It represents a dream birthday present for Picamoles, who...