France centre Gabrielle Vernier has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women's Six Nations tournament with a shoulder injury sustained during Saturday's 38-7 victory against Wales in Cardiff. The 28-year-old, who was winning her 60th cap, was forced off in the 48th minute and will miss crucial upcoming matches against Ireland, Scotland, and potentially a Grand Slam decider against England.

Vernier's absence compounds France's injury woes after they already lost key centre Joanna Grisez to a knee ligament injury earlier in the tournament. Head coach Francois Ratier has called up 18-year-old Aelig Tregouet from Toulouse to replace Vernier in the squad. Tregouet has experience playing sevens for France but remains uncapped at senior level in the 15-a-side game.

France currently sits second in the table behind world champions England after winning their opening two matches against Italy and Wales. They host Ireland in Clermont on Saturday in their third match, facing a team they defeated in the World Cup quarter-finals. Vernier's injury represents a significant setback for France's championship aspirations.