Toulouse won the Top 14 in 2001, defeating ASM Clermont Auvergne 34 to 22 in the final at Stade de France.

Poitrenaud made his debut for France during 2001, and was part of the French side which defeated the Springboks 20 to 10 in Paris.

He earned a further two international caps for France that year, playing in the subsequent victories over Australia in Marseille and Fiji in Saint-Étienne.

In the lead up to the Rugby World Cup he appeared in three matches for France; in the losses to Argentina, the All Blacks and England.

He was expected to be sidelined for at least three months with this injury and as a result missed out on France's remaining matches in the Six Nations championship.

The general manager of Toulouse Guy Noves made some controversial statements regarding Clement's injury, he has commented that, ""Clement's injury is not down to bad luck but because the players are becoming exhausted," "Even if he didn't play in the Six Nations matches he still played the two championship games that took place at the same time."[2].