In a devastating blow to Stade Toulousain, hooker Peato Mauvaka has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained during training on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The 28-year-old international suffered a rupture of his cruciate ligaments, a setback that not only sidelines him for the upcoming Champions Cup semi-final against Bordeaux-Bègles but also jeopardizes his participation for several months, potentially extending into early 2026.
Mauvaka's injury comes at a particularly challenging time for the Toulouse squad, which is already grappling with significant player absences. Notably, team captain Antoine Dupont has been out since March due to a similar cruciate ligament injury he suffered during the Six Nations tournament against Ireland. With Mauvaka's absence, Toulouse faces a daunting challenge as they prepare to defend their Champions Cup title.
According to reports from Actu Stade Toulousain, Mauvaka was injured late in Tuesday's training session, an event that has left the club in a state of concern. The severity of his condition was confirmed by the club on Wednesday, stating, "Peato Mauvaka will be sidelined for several months following a knee injury sustained during training yesterday." This announcement has sent shockwaves through the Toulouse camp, which was already feeling the strain of injuries.
In his absence, Julien Marchand, who boasts 45 international caps, is expected to step into the starting role for the crucial match against Bordeaux on Sunday, May 4, at the Matmut Atlantique. Marchand's experience will be vital as he leads a squad that has already experienced significant turnover due to injuries. Young talents Guillaume Cramont, 24, and Thomas Lacombre, 20, will also be called upon to support Marchand in the hooker position.
The loss of Mauvaka marks another significant blow for the Toulouse squad, which recently saw Blair Kinghorn sidelined for several weeks due to a sprain of the internal lateral ligament in his knee. Kinghorn's injury occurred during the derby against Castres, further depleting the team’s roster as they approach the business end of the season.
Despite the grim news regarding Mauvaka, there is a glimmer of hope for Toulouse with the return of international winger Ange Capuozzo, who has recovered from an ankle injury sustained earlier in the season. Capuozzo's return to the lineup will provide some much-needed depth and experience as Toulouse prepares for their semi-final clash.
Mauvaka has been a key player for Toulouse this season, participating in 13 matches and starting in eight. His contributions were particularly notable during the Six Nations tournament, where he played every match as a starter for France, showcasing his importance to both club and country. His absence will undoubtedly be felt not just on the field, but also in the locker room, where his leadership and presence have been invaluable.
As Toulouse gears up for their semi-final against Bordeaux, the pressure is mounting. The team has already faced Bordeaux twice this season in the Top 14, both times coming up short. With the stakes higher than ever, Ugo Mola, the head coach, will need to rally his squad and find a way to overcome these challenges.
Looking ahead, the absence of both Mauvaka and Dupont raises questions about Toulouse's depth and resilience. The team will need to rely heavily on Marchand's leadership and the contributions of younger players like Cramont and Lacombre to navigate this difficult period. The upcoming match against Bordeaux is set to kick off at 4:00 PM, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how Toulouse adapts to their new reality.
In the context of the Champions Cup, the loss of Mauvaka is particularly poignant. The competition is fierce, and with Toulouse aiming to defend their title, the pressure to perform is immense. As they step onto the pitch this Sunday, the team will carry not just their ambitions but also the weight of their injuries, hoping to emerge victorious against a formidable opponent.
While the road ahead will be challenging, the spirit of the Toulouse squad remains strong. The club has expressed its unwavering support for Mauvaka during his recovery, emphasizing their commitment to standing by him throughout this difficult time. As the players prepare for their match, the entire Toulouse community will be rallying behind them, hoping for a strong performance despite the odds stacked against them.
