France have been forced to replace prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin in their Six Nations squad due to injury.
The Castres front-row, who only signed a new contract with the Top 14 club earlier this week which sees him remain in France until 2023, has picked up a rib injury in training as the team prepare for their game with England this weekend.
It is a massive blow for the 28-year-old, who was hoping to notch up his first international cap during the tournament, but it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for.
He has been replaced in the 42-man squad by La Rochelle’s Uini Atonio, who could make his first appearance for the French since last year’s Six Nations opener against Wales.
Hounkpatin is the second French player to be replaced this week with hooker Camille Chat being forced out with a calf injury and being replaced in the squad by fellow Racing 92 teammate Teddy Baubigny.
France are hoping that their young squad will be able to cause an upset this weekend when they host last year’s World Cup finalists England on Sunday as they open up their campaign.
