Paul Willemse has played five Tests for France
©PA
France will lose the services of lock Paul Willemse for the World Cup scheduled in Japan later this year due to injury.
The 26-year-old was among the six reserve players named by head coach Jacques Brunel for the showpiece event.
The French Rugby Federation in a statement said a replacement for Willemse will be announced in due course with the 6ft 7in lock returning back to his club Montpellier for rehabilitation.
Willemse has played five Tests for France - all of it coming during this year's Six Nations tournament.
France are positioned in Pool C in the Rugby World Cup and will kick-start their campaign with a clash against Argentina at Tokyo Stadium on 21st September.