South African-born fullback Scott Spedding has been called up by France ahead of the November Tests.

The 28-year-old, who spent three seasons with the Sharks and represented South Africa at age-group level, has replaced the injured Brice Dulin who has been ruled out for up to seven weeks after he suffered a stress fracture in his leg.

Spedding plays for French club Bayonne and has recently been granted French citizenship. He will join up with fellow expat Rory Kockott, with both expected to make their debut against Fiji on Saturday.

Spedding's main rival for the No 15 jersey, Maxime Medard, is also struggling to be fit after suffering a groin injury during Toulouse's Top 14 win over Lyon on Saturday.

Photo: Gaizka Iroz/AFP Photo