Italy winger Ioane ruled out of France Six Nations game

Italy winger Monty Ioane will miss next week's Six Nations game with France due to a knee injury, the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced on Thursday.

Lyon's Ioane, 30, had featured in both of the Azzurri's opening games in the tournament, a 31-19 loss to Scotland and a 22-15 victory over Wales.

Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada was already without wingers Louis Lynagh and Paolo Odogwu as well as second-row Andrea Zamobonin for the competition.

Lock Dino Lamb will also be absent for next Saturday's game in Rome due a shoulder injury while prop Mirco Spagnolo returns to the wider squad from suspension.

Italy are fifth in the Six Nations table with France second after two rounds of the tournament.