Claassen cut from France squad

South African-born loose forward Antonie Claassen is one of seven players cut from the France squad ahead of the weekend’s game against Tonga in Le Havre.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre trimmed his squad to 23 on Wednesday prior to his team announcement on Thursday.

Claasen, Yannick Nyanga, Alexandre Flanquart, Florian Fritz, Yoann Huget, Wenceslas Lauret and Jean-Marc Doussain were the players cut from the squad.

France squad:

Forwards: Vincent Debaty, Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Papé, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard le Roux, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Damian Chouly.

Backs: Jonathan Pélissié, Morgan Parra, Frederic Michalak, Remi Talès, Mathieu Bastareaud, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Maxime Médard, Sofiane Guitoune, Brice Dulin.