France fly-half Romain Ntamack will now miss round three of the Guinness Six Nations against Italy after a failed attempt to bypass his two-match ban.
How has the French game and its culture crafted such a brilliant vintage of petits generals?
It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away from home.
Stade Francais player ratings: Stade Français were outplayed and outclassed at Thomond Park, unable to match Munster’s intensity and cohesion.
After two victories, France aims to conclude their tour unbeaten when they face Argentina on Saturday, July 13.
Homegrown talent and wise recruitment have taken Bordeaux to the brink of emulating Toulouse's success.
With Montpellier now crowned Top 14 champions, attention turns to the players each side has brought in to better their chances of winning the trophy next season. Newcomers Bayonne have been the busiest in the transfer market, releasing players...
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview