Dumortier In Line For First France Cap Against Italy

Lyon wing Ethan Dumortier is in line to make his test debut in France's Six Nations opener against Italy at the weekend, after Gabin Villiere was injured in training on Wednesday and cut from the squad.

Villiere, who played his first club game in two months on Saturday following ankle and hand injuries, was recalled to the squad at the weekend but the Toulon flyer limped out of training, seemingly with another ankle knock.

He is one of 14 players from the extended squad of 42 to have been released back to their clubs.

Dumortier, 22, who has scored 14 tries in the Top 14 and the Champions Cup this season, is now likely to take the left-wing position with Damian Penaud on the right.

With Antoine Dupont's regular deputy Maxime Lucu also injured, Racing 92's 20-year-old scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec may also win his first cap as he is set to start on the bench.

Coach Fabien Galthie will announce his team for the match in Rome on Friday.