French captain ruled out

France captain Pascal Pape will miss Saturday's Six Nations match against Wales in Paris because of a back injury he picked up in the defeat against Italy.

The Stade Francais lock, captaining the side for the first time in the Six Nations tournament, was injured halfway through the second half of Sunday's 23-18 loss and was eventually taken to hospital for tests on his back.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre said that he would not be available for the game against the Welsh and would be replaced in the 23-strong squad by Toulon's Jocelino Suta.

AFP