Big blow as France star faces injury lay-off

INJURY UPDATE: Racing 92 centre Virimi Vakatawa has been withdrawn from France’s Six Nations squad because of injury and will be replaced by Lyon’s Pierre-Louis Barassi, the French rugby federation announced Sunday.

Fiji-born Vakatawa, who has won 27 caps and has become a key member of the national team, injured his left knee in a tackle during Racing’s 33-32 defeat by Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday.

Barassi, 22, has been capped twice by France.

Les Bleus meet up Monday for a training camp in Nice, with their opening Six Nations match scheduled in Rome against Italy on February 6.

#NEWS: @FranceRugby coach Fabien Galthie forced to reshuffle @SixNationsRugby squad! https://t.co/0HC47WCBxR

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 18, 2021