France’s Louis Picamoles ruled out of the Six Nations

France have been handed a blow with the news Louis Picamoles has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations with a hamstring injury.

The powerful number eight was forced off in the early stages of his side’s narrow 23-21 win over Italy at the Stade de France.

And now the Toulouse backrow will play no further part in the tournament after scans revealed he is facing a number of weeks out.

Picamoles absence will be a boost for Joe Schmidt and Ireland as they prepare to travel to Paris on Saturday, just six days after their brusing 16-16 draw with Wales.

Picamoles has been replaced in Guy Noves’s squad by Bordeaux-Begles number eight Loann Goujon.