French hooker Tolofua banned, misses Tests

France hooker Christopher Tolofua, pictured in April 2012, was ruled out of the November internationals against Australia, Argentina and Samoa on Thursday after being handed a six-week ban for a European Cup red card.

PARIS - France hooker Christopher Tolofua was ruled out of the November internationals against Australia, Argentina and Samoa on Thursday after being handed a six-week ban for a European Cup red card.

The 18-year-old, who made his France debut against the Pumas in June, was sent-off for a dangerous tackle while playing for Toulouse against Treviso last weekend.

Perpignan’s Guilhem Guirado, who has 15 caps, was called into the squad instead of Tolofua by national coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

“Guilhem has figured in our plans, he has been one of the players we have followed,” said Saint-Andre.

Tolofua will be available to play again on December 3.

France, who face Australia on November 10, Argentina on the following weekend and Samoa on November 24, have already lost captain Thierry Dusautoir with a knee injury.