Toulouse fly-half Romain Ntamack has cut short his latest Top 14 title celebrations for a Monday morning operation, according to his social media account.

All Blacks first five-eighths Beauden Barrett's Test jersey will occupy a special place on the wall of his French rival Joris ...

Head coaches make big decisions. They call it. When I've wanted a certain player in the 23, and the assistants have said ‘god ...

Will Fabien Galthié's side be a threat or classic French Farce? Jamie Wall finds out about what France is bringing this ...

But flyhalf Romain Ntamack is unlikely to feature after having knee surgery in the wake of Toulouse's triumph, while scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has been sidelined with an ACL injury since the Six ...

That means the likes of Romain Ntamack, Damien Penaud and Gregory Alldritt will be staying at home this summer.

Prominent New Zealand figures have lambasted Fabien Galthie's weakened selection, while the France coach points to player welfare.

France produced a sterling performance in Dunedin which defied many ex-All Blacks' barbs about the strength of their touring squad.