Marconnet back for France

Sylvain Marconnet has been recalled by France for their RBS 6 Nations match against Wales in Paris a week on Friday.

The experienced Stade Francais prop, who has 71 caps, last played for Les Bleus in February 2007 but has struggled with injuries over the past couple of years.

With props Benoit Lecouls (neck) and Nicolas Mas (adductor) out injured, Marconnet has been called up by France head coach Marc Lievremont while fellow front-row forward Thomas Domingo is also included ahead of Renaud Boyoud, who drops out of the squad.

With Florian Fritz banned, Maxime Mermoz remains in the squad as one of three centres.

The Perpignan youngster sustained a slight thigh injury in the 22-13 win over Scotland on Saturday but will be fully fit by next week.