Thomas Ramos ruled out of Nations Championship

France will enter the Nations Championship without Thomas Ramos, removing one of its most experienced and productive players from the campaign. The Toulouse full-back has suffered a setback in his thigh injury and is expected to remain unavailable for several weeks.

Ramos had initially been considered capable of returning during the competition, which runs from November 7 to 29. That possibility has now disappeared, with the France squad due to be announced by Fabien Galthié on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to face Fiji, South Africa and Argentina.

The absence is particularly significant because Ramos is France’s leading points scorer. It also adds to Toulouse’s problems ahead of the period when club and international commitments overlap. Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Matthieu Jalibert and Julien Marchand are already unavailable for the national team.

France will also be without Demba Bamba. The Racing 92 tighthead prop injured his hamstring against Munster and faces a spell of several weeks out. Bamba had started the season in strong form and will therefore miss an opportunity to compete for the position currently associated with Uini Atonio. His withdrawal further reduces Galthié’s options before the November programme.