France hooker Benjamin Kayser was on Saturday ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations after suffering a serious knee injury in the Top 14 clash between his club Clermont and Grenoble on Friday.

The 29-year-old — capped 24-times — partially ruptured a ligament in his right knee according to Clermont during the 16-13 loss to Grenoble.

The news will not please France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre, who had pleaded with the clubs not to field players who had started both the 26-24 win over England then the 30-10 victory over Italy.

Several clubs were not happy with the request but Kayser was not one of the players implicated as although he started the win over England he was a replacement for the Italian match.

“Injured at the end of the Grenoble match, Benjamin Kayser suffered a partial rupture of the internal ligament of his right knee,” said Clermont in a statement.

“The injury will see him ruled out of action for between five to six weeks and bring to a premature end his interest in the Six Nations.”

Called up to replace him was the uncapped Brice Mach from French champions Castres.