While the majority of club Rugby is on hold, there was one overseas game with massive implications for Wallabies fans in the Top 14 as Will Skelton limped up for La Rochelle.
Additionally, several former internationals featured in France's second division.
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Former Wallabies skipper Will Skelton’s plans for a Test recall have hit a hurdle after the La Rochelle lock limped off in a 39-14 defeat to Toulon.
Skelton picked up the knock during the second half of the defeat, heavily favouring his ankle.
The towering lock looked to play on before going to ground after trying to make a tackle in the 59th minute, subbed off straight afterwards.
“This week Will played for the club while his country played in Italy,” La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara said post-game via Sydney Morning Herald.
“He always wants to play in the big games, and he felt that this match against Toulon was one of them. For Australia, I hope he won’t miss next week.”
In a cruel piece of irony for the Wallabies, the game was rescheduled from late September, which originally prevented Skelton from joining the squad for the opening Bledisloe Cup match before wild weather forced its cancellation.
While the rest of the top European competitions were on hold, there were plenty of Aussies making an impact in the second division of French Rugby.
Izack Rodda started for Provence as they took down Colomiers 12-10.
Former Reds and Wallabies back-rower Caleb Timu scored for Colomiers but it wasn’t enough as Rodda’s side held on for the upset victory.
Centre Ben Taupai started for Brive in a big 68-10 win over Mont de Marsan.
Taupai had three line break assists and a try assist as they cruised to victory.
2023 Rugby World Cup teammates Pone Fa’amausili and Richie Arnold both started for Soyaux Angouleme in their defeat to Oyonnax.
The pair were subbed either side of half-time as they went down 50-21 away from home.
