Double injury setbacks for Laporte

France coach Bernard Laporte has been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the autumn internationals.

Inside centre Benoit Baby, who scored a try on his international debut against Ireland in March, is out for the season after rupturing knee ligaments.

Fly-half Frederic Michalak is out for six weeks after suffering a third right ankle sprain in 18 months.

Bourgoin’s uncapped Benjamin Boyet and Stade Francais playmaker David Skrela, with one cap, could be called up.

But Laporte has not ruled out recalling Saracens star Thomas Castaignede - or the possibility that Michalak could regain fitness.

Castaignede, capped 43 times, was 30 in January and does not play at fly-half for his London club.

Laporte is scouting around because his number two choice, Yann Delaigue, is also injured.

France will play tests against Australia, Canada, Tonga and South Africa this autumn.