Concussed Bastareaud out of Ireland clash

The burly 28-year-old took a knock to the head while playing for Toulon against Lyon last Saturday.

He took a "neurological test" on Monday, which "does not allow him to be available for the Six Nations match against Ireland" said the French Federation in a statement.

Bastareaud was called up by Guy Noves for the first time in January having not been in the international set up since the 2015 World Cup, when Philippe Saint-Andre was the coach.

He wasn't used in either the defeat to England or the victory over Scotland, though.

Bastareaud has played 39 times, scoring three tries, for France since making his debut against Wales in the Six Nations in 2009.

* Meanwhile Stade Francais back row forward Raphael Lakafia was called up to replace the injured Damien Chouly.

Chouly, 31 with 45 caps, had suffered a sprained ankle in training in Nice on Monday.

Lakafia, 28 with four caps, made his France debut against Ireland in 2011 in a World Cup warm-up.

Both Ireland and France won one and lost one of their opening two Six Nations games and a victory is vital to stay in the hunt to win this season's championship.

Agence France-Presse