 Marsh is facing nearly two months of chemotherapy |
France centre Tony Marsh is undergoing chemotherapy for a tumour and will be out of action until the end of the season. The New Zealand-born 30-year-old will miss France's tours of Argentina and New Zealand in June, but could still be fit for this year's World Cup.
"After a blood sample taken during medical testing organised by the club, an anomaly was found," his club Montferrand said in a statement.
"Further checks revealed the presence of a tumour. On 5 March, surgery to remove the tumour took place successfully and without any complications."
Montferrand said Marsh, who has not played since November because of groin pains, has started a course of chemotherapy which is due to last until 25 May.
Marsh was brought into the French team in November 2001 against South Africa and has been a key player for coach Bernard Laporte ever since.
His health problems became evident after France won the Grand Slam in 2002 and he has not played for the national team since then.
Marsh would be an automatic choice in Laporte's squad for the World Cup in Australia in October if fully fit.
MMIX
Email this to a friend 
Printable version