FRANCE WILL BE without Mathieu Bastareaud and Damien Chouly when they face Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Mathieu Bastareaud.

Bastareaud was added to Les Bleus’ squad for the clash in Dublin over the weekend, but the powerhouse centre has now been ruled out with concussion.

The 28-year-old was assessed after taking a blow in Toulon’s Top 14 win over Lyon on Saturday and has failed to prove his fitness.

Suite à une commotion cérébrale, M.BASTAREAUD a passé un contrôle neurologique à 48h (HIA3) qui ne lui permet pas de postuler pour #IRLFRA. — France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 20, 2017 Source: FF Rugby /Twitter

News of Bastareaud’s absence came a matter of hours after number eight Chouly was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

Coach Guy Noves has called up Raphael Lakafia to replace Chouly, who was named among the replacements for the victory over Scotland after starting in the loss to England on the opening weekend.

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