France lose Clerc to injury

Paris - France suffered a major blow ahead of next weekend's Six Nations opener with Italy as leading tryscorer Vincent Clerc was ruled out because of a thigh injury on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Toulouse wing - whose tally of 34 tries puts him second on France's all-time list four behind Serge Blanco - injured his thigh in Friday's Top 14 19-14 home win over Biarritz.

After undergoing scans on Saturday it was estimated that Clerc will be out injured for between 8-10 days which could see him fit again for France's second game at home to reigning Grand Slam holders Wales on February 9.

Clerc has been replaced in the 33 man squad by 22-year-old Stade Francais flyer Hugo Bonneval.

"Hugo is a highly-talented young player who was already on our radar," said France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Saint-Andre will reduce his squad to 23 for next Sunday's match on Monday.