Chabal out of 6 Nations opener

France lock Sebastien Chabal has been forced to pull out of Les Bleus’ RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield with a back injury.

The 32-year-old’s place in the squad has been taken by Toulouse’s Yoann Maestri.

Chabal did not take part in training over the weekend in a bid to help him recover from the injury.

However, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) confirmed today that the Racing Metro lock, who won the first of his 52 caps against Scotland back in 2000, will not be fit in time for Sunday’s clash.

Chabal wrote on his Twitter page: “It’s a back problem that’s lasting a bit. Return home and rest. What a drag!”

The former Sale star is the second lock to pull out of the game because of injury following the withdrawal of Romain Millo-Chluski due to a shoulder injury.

France are already without Biarritz trio Fabien Barcella, Damien Traille and Dimitri Yachvili.

Maestri comes into the 30-man squad but it remains to be seen whether Marc Lievremont will gamble on the 22-year-old when he names his starting XV on Wednesday.