France prop Tatafu to miss November tests

Bayonne prop Tevita Tatafu will miss France's November tests due to an ankle injury, the Top 14 club's head coach Gregory Patat said on Thursday.

Tatafu, 22, made his international debut last autumn but has struggled since with fitness issues and has been ruled out for up to six months following surgery.

The Tonga-born front-rower's absence leaves Fabien Galthie without two of his leading tight-heads for games against South Africa, Fiji and Australia.

Experienced prop Uini Atonio will also miss the three tests having sustained a hamstring injury in June.

Bayonne were knocked out in the Top 14 semifinals last season and start the new campaign at Perpignan on Saturday.