Breaking: Fofana out of 6 Nations

France have been dealt a major blow ahead of the RBS 6 Nations with centre Wesley Fofana ruled out of the tournament after suffering a torn Achilles.

The centre suffered the injury in a European victory over Exeter Chiefs, and club coach Franck Azéma instantly admitted it could be serious.

He said: "It looks to be his Achilles tendon. We're waiting for the results but it doesn't look good at all."

After further tests it was revealed that Fofana had suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg and will meet a surgeon on Sunday ahead of an operation.

As a result he will miss the entirety of the RBS 6 Nations and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

It is a major blow for Guy Novès, who named his squad for the RBS 6 Nations on Wednesday, with Fofana one of four options in the centres.