Sport

Injury blow for France ahead of Six Nations clash with Ireland

France scrum-half Morgan Parra has been ruled out of the NatWest 6 Nations opener against Ireland with a knee injury.

The French Rugby Federation announced on Monday that the 29-year-old Clermont Auvergne player, recently recalled to the international set-up after a two-year absence, has been replaced in coach Jacques Brunel's squad by Bordeaux's Baptiste Serin.

Toulon full-back Hugo Bonneval has also been drafted in, with Racing 92 full-back Brice Dulin sidelined due to a calf problem.

The FFR posted on Twitter: "After this weekend's games in the European Cup and following medical examinations, MorganParraOff, victim of a knee injury, and is out for ?FRAIRL. He is replaced in the group by Serin-Baptiste ?soutienslexv

"BriceDulin, victim of a calf muscle injury, is also out for ?FRAIRL. He is replaced in the group by hugobonneval ?soutiensleXV"

Les Bleus kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Paris on Saturday, February 3.