Toulouse suffer devastating injury blow to star man
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Toulouse full-back Olly Ashall-Bott is unlikely to play again this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 25-year-old was helped off the pitch in their 14-12 win over his former club Widnes on Saturday with a knee injury as he was tackled early in the first half.
It is a cruel blow to Toulouse and Ashall-Bott, who signed a four-year deal with the French side in the off-season.
Ashall-Bott posted on Instagram: “ACL (take) 2.
“Thankful for my team Toulouse Olympique who I will be supporting with all my heart.
“Also to my boy Marlo who helps me through all the tough times.”
More on Olly Ashall-Bott career
The Widnes-born speedster came through the ranks at his hometown club, going on to make 15 appearances for the Vikings first team as well as enjoying a spell on loan in League 1 with North Wales Crusaders.
Olly Ashall-Bott signed for London Broncos ahead of the 2020 season, but only made one appearance for the capital club before the season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Super League season went ahead behind closed doors in 2020, where he had a stint on loan with Salford Red Devils.
Ashall-Bott then joined Huddersfield prior to the 2021 campaign, playing nine games for the Giants. He had a loan spell with fellow Super League club Wakefield during that campaign, playing twice for Trinity.
The Englishman made the move to France at the start of last season after signing a long-term deal with Toulouse, who were in Super League at the time.
Ashall-Bott scored six tries in 24 appearances for Sylvain Houles’ side last term as they suffered relegation from Super League.
The Widnesian made a strong start to the 2023 campaign in the Championship with Toulouse, scoring three tries in five games, so his injury comes as a blow to himself and the club.