Giant France prop Uini Atonio has been added to France’s November internationals squad despite suffering a calf injury, the French Rugby Federation announced on Monday.
La Rochelle’s Atonio, who weighs more than 140kgs, had been expected to miss this Saturday’s game with Japan in Paris after picking up the injury in Top 14 action a week ago, but has been called up to the set-up to replace the uncapped Regis Montagne.
The 62-cap Atonio is only set for a playing return in time for November 16’s game with his country of birth, New Zealand.
Clermont’s Montagne has been ruled out while fellow new face in lock Joshua Brennan has also dropped out of the squad but due to a facial injury.
Toulouse’s Brennan spot has been taken by Montagne’s club team-mate in flanker Killian Tixeront, who made his Test debut against Argentina in July’s scandal-hit tour.
After playing Japan and the All Blacks, Fabien Galthie’s side end their autumn campaign against Argentina on November 22.
Antoine Dupont captains the 42-man squad on his return to the 15-a-side game having missed the Six Nations and summer tour as he won the Olympic gold medal.