France lock Paul Willemse has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

The 26-year-old South African-born lock was named in a six-man squad that was placed on standby as injury cover for France’s initial 31-man World Cup squad.

But the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said in a statement on Wednesday that the lock has left the camp after sustaining a long-term injury. No further details of the injury were provided in the statement.

Coach Jacques Brunel is expected to name a replacement in due course.

France have been drawn in Pool C and will face Argentina, England, Tonga and the United States in the pool stage of the World Cup.

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