France's preparations for their forthcoming RBS 6 Nations campaign have received a major blow after centre Yannick Jauzion was ruled out of action for three weeks with a fractured toe.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury during his club side Toulouse's Top 14 victory over Pau last weekend.
It was hoped Jauzion, who has 32 caps to his name, would recover in time to face Scotland on Sunday but the swelling around his toe persists and France's medical team have withdrawn him from the clash.
He will also miss Les Bleus' home tie with Ireland on February 11, but he should return for the final three matches of the tournament.
“Yannick had a scan today,” said team doctor Thierry Hermerel. “It showed that the fracture on the little toe of his right foot could worsen so we decided to sideline him for three weeks. Yannick should be available for the game against Italy on February 26. “
Brive centre Ludovic Valbon, who has two caps for France, has been promoted from the bench to take Jauzion's place for the clash with the Scots, with the uncapped Guillaume Bousses drafted in as a replacement.
The news will come as a massive setback for Les Bleus, with Jauzion considered one of the leading centres in world rugby. His uncanny ability to offload in the tackle is unparalleled and he has established himself as a key element in France's stunning back-line.
