Toulouse's powerhouse No 8 Louis Picamoles will miss the first five matches of the Top 14 season because of illness, according to coach Guy Noves.
The 28-year-old France international has taken no part in training since his return from holidays on July 21 and has been written off until September 15, Noves said.
"He's ill and we decided to give him a month off," Noves said, without clarifying exactly what was wrong with the backrower.
Former All Black Luke McAlister (stomach) would also likely be ruled out of Toulouse's opener against Oyonnax on Saturday, Noves said, joining Thierry Dusautoir (thigh), Yohan Maestri (knee), Chiliboy Ralepelle (knee) and Schalk Ferreira (biceps) on the sidelines.
Source: AFP