SARACENS HOOKER CHRISTOPHER Tolofua has been ruled out of France’s opening Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday with a back injury.

CJ Stander hands off Tolofua during last year's Six Nations. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Tolofua, capped seven times, is the second back-up to captain Guilhem Guirado to withdraw from the squad after Camille Chat pulled out with a bout of flu.

That leaves head coach Jacques Brunel with uncapped rookie Adrien Pelissie as a replacement for Guirado heading into this weekend’s showdown at the Stade de France.

Toulon’s Guirado has been suffering with gastritis this week, but he is still expected to recover in time to start. Tolofua, meanwhile, will miss the entire championship.

- © AFP, 2018 with additional reporting by Ben Blake 

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Munster centre Arnold trains with Schmidt’s Ireland at Carton House

Ireland trust officials to help avoid repeat of the last punishing Paris visit