France Hit With Huge Injury Blow Ahead Of Six Nations Opener

New French Coach Guy Noves has been hit with a huge injury blow with Clermont centre Wesley Fofana forced to withdraw from his squad after damaging his ribs during Clermont’s defeat to Montpellier.

Noves was expected to replace Fofana with Mathieu Bastareaud, who was shockingly omitted from France’s squad but has instead opted to call up Racing 92 winger, Teddy Thomas.

Fofana is only expected to miss France’s opening day clash with Italy, his loss however represents a huge blow to Noves, who will be looking to establish a consistent centre partnership heading into his first tournament as coach.