Leinster’s hopes of winning a record-equalling fourth European Rugby Champions Cup have been boosted by the news that Racing 92’s captain Maxime Machenaud will miss the final because of injury.
The scrum half has been in superb form for the Top 14 side this campaign, highlighted by his inclusion on the shortlist for the European Player of the Year award.
The France international picked up the injury in his side’s win over Bordeaux this weekend and will miss the final
The hope was that Machenaud had simply twisted his knee but further investigations have revealed the player has damaged knee ligaments and as such has no chance of recovering in time for European club rugby’s showpiece occasion.