France heavyweight Meafou a doubt for Ireland showdown

The National Times - France heavyweight Meafou a doubt for Ireland showdown

SPORTS 24.02.2025

France heavyweight Meafou a doubt for Ireland showdown / Photo: © AFP/File

France second-row Emmanuel Meafou is a doubt for next month's Six Nations showdown with Ireland after missing training with his club Toulouse on Monday.

Change text size:

Meafou, 26, who weighs 145kg, was absent from Les Bleus' 73-24 win over Italy on Sunday due to a lung infection.

The victory in Rome kept France's title hopes alive before the trip to face table-topping Ireland in Dublin on March 8, with England the only other side left in the race to win the Six Nations.

Meafou's club team-mate Romain Ntamack was present at training and is likely to feature at Lansdowne Road after ending his suspension.

The fly-half was banned for two games after making a high tackle on Wales' Ben Thomas in France's first round win.

Antoine Dupont's usual half-back partner has been included in a list of 19 players rested from this weekend's French Top 14 games.

Ntamack will join up with the France squad at their training base on Friday, while Meafou was excluded from the group of players.

M.Davis--TNT

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

The National Times - France heavyweight Meafou a doubt for Ireland showdown