France statement: Replacements named for injured duo Jelonch, Meafou

France have named their replacements for injured pair Anthony Jelonch and Emmanuel Meafou. Both forwards shipped knocks last Sunday when playing for Toulouse in their Investec Champions Cup home win over Bath.

Jelonch suffered an ACL while the newly qualified Meafou damaged his knee in the 31-19 win. These injuries will see the pair miss out when Fabien Galthie's French open their Guinness Six Nations campaign at home to Ireland in Marseille on February 2.

Jelonch, who will miss the entire tournament, has been replaced by Alexandre Roumat while Meafou’s spot at training in Marcoussis has been taken by Paul Willemse, the second row who missed the recent Rugby World Cup through injury.

A social media post by the FFR read: “Unfortunately our back row Anthony Jelonch must forfeit the Six Nations tournament. Antho, we know you have been through this before and how difficult it is, but we will always be in your support. We wish you a good recovery.

“More bad news, Emmanuel Meafou is out. Alexandre Roumat and Paul Willemse are called up and join the group.”