Bordeaux’s Champions Cup preparations hit an unexpected snag when France star Louis Bielle-Biarrey was delayed at Bristol Airport over a travel permit problem.

Bielle-Biarrey was among four Bordeaux-Bègles players held up for several hours on Thursday.

Back-rower Romain Gardrat, props Matis Perchaud and Toma Taufa, and conditioning coach Manu Espiasse were also affected.

Their Electronic Travel Authorisations were linked to old passports, leaving the group unable to travel on with the rest of the squad as planned. Bordeaux contacted the French embassy in London for help.

The group were eventually allowed through and joined their team-mates on Thursday evening. The French report on the hold-up said the delay was not expected to affect Bordeaux’s team.

Bielle-Biarrey is set to start on the wing against Gloucester at Kingsholm. Perchaud is among the replacements.

Bordeaux are chasing a third straight Champions Cup title after winning the last two. Bielle-Biarrey scored 10 tries in eight matches during last season’s campaign.

The 10 fastest rugby players in the world right now

Bielle-Biarrey ranks second in RUCK’s list, behind Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit. Rees-Zammit recently raced Team GB sprinter Jeremiah Azu.

10. Darcy Graham — Scotland

9. Ange Capuozzo — Italy

8. Grant Williams — South Africa

7. Will Jordan — New Zealand

6. Kurt-Lee Arendse — South Africa

5. Henry Arundell — England

4. Rieko Ioane — New Zealand

3. Cheslin Kolbe — South Africa

2. Louis Bielle-Biarrey — France

1. Louis Rees-Zammit — Wales