France captain Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee during Les Bleus’ Six Nations win over Ireland on Saturday.
Dupont, 28, was forced off in the first half after Ireland second row Tadhg Beirne fell on his leg at a ruck.
“The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step,” Dupont posted on Instagram.
“I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday and with all my strength with you, you will do it.
“Rupture of the cruciate ligaments. This is the beginning of a new challenge, I’ll see you in a few months on the field.”